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Tahiti, July 14, 2024 – This Sunday marks the final day of the Heiva Festival in honor of Tū’aro mā’ohi. Enoch Laughlin, president of the Federation of Traditional Sports and Games, had the opportunity to outline these sports and their different future prospects.. Because unfortunately, where opportunities abound, means do not necessarily follow.
The enthusiasm is real. Every year, Tū’aro mā’ohi (traditional sports) attracts a larger and larger audience and, above all, a greater sensitivity to the approach promoted by the Federation of Traditional Sports and Games: performances at the service of culture and sharing. This philosophy resonates with the different “aito” of the Polynesian Triangle, all of whom are eager to reconnect forgotten or broken bonds. This is evidenced by the hugs, handshakes or smiles that are exchanged at the end of each event. Because whether you are from Rimatara, Moorea, Hawaii or the Cook Islands, if competition does exist, it will never prevail over kindness, which is in the DNA of indigenous peoples. Today, in fact, the Heiva of Tū’aro mā’ohi are united and have the opportunity to enrich themselves with the expertise of each region.
“Depending on the event, we often find a favorite,” Enoch Laughlin, president of the Traditional Sports Federation, said this at the Heiva Tū’aro mā’ohi event held at Vairai Park on Saturday and Sunday. “Like the example of Patia fa, we obviously found Anaa in good form again, but also all the Tuamotu teams. This is really their tradition. Now, there are also some countries or islands that are better prepared. I am thinking especially of New Zealand, which won the women’s fruit carrying and stone lifting events. Hawaii also showed some great things this year. Fortunately, we also have our strengths, and just now in the super heavyweight stakes we will find our excellent Tuha Apay.”
Tahiti is rarely represented, but it’s a hotbed for sports and fitness enthusiasts
If there is a slight regret, it is that the participation of Tahitian residents is relatively weak, despite the fact that this is the home of the black tiles of Tualo Maohi: “The island we’re on is now highly urbanised and certain activities like copra are no longer practiced, so it’s difficult to get a team together in Tahiti.” The president of the federation explains. For good reason, when athletes in Tahitian dare to show themselves, they tend to be people from the islands, especially the La Romatai. However, in the past two years, a new group has gradually become known: the crossfitters.
“This group of athletes is important and we must find them,” Confie Enoch Laughlin. “These athletes have the physique, the conditioning and the willingness to try traditional sports.” The president of the Tū’aro Mā’ohi Federation does not think he is so good. Crossfit athletes are real modern gladiators who show extraordinary athletic qualities and have been able to excel in certain events, such as Vaihau Bottari among the men and even Juliette Vizier and Mahana Maiarii among the women in the recent fruit competition. Hinatea Montebello, the undisputed crossfit champion of the region, also performed well in stone lifting, finishing third.Egypt Its category. The potential is there.
Undeniable success, but limited context
The traditional sports federation is proud of the enthusiasm it inspires, but remains reserved. In terms of successes and opportunities that she does not think she will be able to ensure in the near future: “To be honest, it scares me a little bit.” Enoch Laughlin declared. “We have a lot of proposals. Just yesterday we had a representative from Utah, USA, who came to us and proposed to host a Tū’aro mā’ohi festival at their home next year. Recently we had a representative from the city of Miami who wanted to incorporate traditional sports into its va’a competitions. Hawaii and New Zealand also want to host events. That’s great, but you have to frame it all. Financially, we won’t be able to keep up. That’s also a danger for us, because if we don’t try to follow suit, the enthusiasm for our events will also be hit.” Today, the Federation is composed only of volunteers and faces not only its success but also all the work it entails above all: “An event like ours starts in January. It’s not easy, with all the administrative paperwork, the organisation that needs to be set up and so on. We are volunteers, so everyone helps out as much as they can. It’s not easy.” While traditional sports certainly have a future, new resources still need to be found to support their development.
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