Alofi South canoeists dominate the 2020 constitution vaka races

The popular Matakau Vaka Association’s annual constitution canoe races of the mixed relays and the men’s vaka race took place at the Alofi bay.

Due to the weather and unfavourable racing conditions last week the annual constitution vaka races were postponed and held early yesterday morning.

The two events started with the mixed team relays, each team must have a male and female competitor.

A total of nine relay teams competed but there can only be one winning team and that title went to the father and daughter team of Bella Fuhiniu and her 64-year-old father and master canoeist Taumafai Fuhiniu from Alofi South.

In second place is Nita Pihigia and Presley Viliamu and third place went to Melissa Douglas and Bretrick Vakanofiti.

In the main event of the mens vaka races, this year the constitution vaka race champion is Presley Viliamu (pictured) from Alofi South, and in second place is Daryn Magatogia also of Alofi South, and in third place Poi Kapaga from Tuapa. There were thirteen competitors in the men’s race.

The competition organisers, the Vaka Association also recognised the oldest competitor this year in 64-year-old Taumafai Fuhiniu and the youngest competitor 13-year-old Lance Bob Talagi.