Motuapuaka and Tafiti Tie for First Place in 6-11 Year Old Category
La'ie, HI – May 16, 2008 – Those familiar with the art of Samoan fireknife know the name Tafiti well, and now it goes down in history again with two brothers taking top honors in the PCC's Junior Pacific Fireknife Dance Championships as part of the World Fireknife Championships and Samoa Festival held May 14-17 at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Julius Tafiti, 16, took the top title for the 12-17 year old division and his brother Achilles, 9, shared top honors in a tie with Honolulu's Hale Motuapuaka, age 8.
Last year both brothers shared third place in their respective categories, so its not surprising that they again shared a ranking – but this time the top.
"It was exciting to have our young ones share the top spot in the keiki competition," said Delsa Moe, competition emcee and director of cultural presentations at the Polynesian Cultural Center. "Especially since they've been with us since they were 3 years old."
In the third night of the four-day competition, the kids were the real stars of the show as 18 competitors ranging in ages from 8 to 17 took the stage to compete for the title of Junior Pacific Fireknife Champion in their respective age categories.
Along with a specially designed trophy fireknife, Tafiti also received a check for $800. Samoa's Brandonlee Lavatai came in second and took home $600. Rex Tiumalu from Orlando, Florida placed third and received $400.
The junior Tafiti and Motuapuaka both received $150 for their top position. Second place in the 6-11 year old category was awarded to Wallen Te‘o, 11, from Honolulu. Third place went to Desmond Talia, 8, of Kalihi.
In addition to the Fireknife Championship events on Saturday, May 19, visitors have the opportunity to attend the Samoan Cultural High School Arts Festival in the PCC's Pacific Theater starting at 9 a.m. Students from Hawai‘i high schools will demonstrate their Samoan cultural knowledge and skills in friendly competitions such as basket weaving, coconut husking, banana peeling, fire making, singing, dancing, and oration.
Sponsored by Henry S. Mataalii Company, Hawaiian Airlines, Turtle Bay Resort, Electric Pencil, Cirque du Soleil, Pepsi, Bank of Hawaii, Galumalemana Lester W.B. Moore, June Fabrics, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Western Union and the City and County of Honolulu, this annual competition draws spectators from around the world.
Tickets for tomorrow night's finals are $40 for adults and $30 for children ages 3-11, but there are very few seats left. Call 293-3333 to make reservations and check on available seating. Visit the PCC website at http://www.polynesia.com for updates on the results of the 16th Annual World Fireknife Championships.
Since its beginning in 1963, the Polynesian Cultural Center has entertained more than 33 million visitors by preserving the spirit and cultures of Polynesia. This week, all guests are invited to attend the Fireknife Championships and even learn the ancient art of fireknife dancing first-hand during free, on-site seminars in the Samoan Village.
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