Club member Vaimo’oi’a (Vai) Ripley recently achieved her lifelong ambition of qualifying for the Samoan Olympic Team in the ILCA 6 class.
Commodore Graham congratulated Vai on behalf of the entire MHASC team “it has been a pleasure for us to be part of your amazing journey, achievement and persistence. An exciting time now lays before you, enjoy every moment.”
And Vai said “thank you so much Jeff, Graham, Diane, Lew, Matt, Nick, Naomi, Bruce, Michelle, Rob, Phil, Vanessa, Warwick, Jonathan, Chris, – EVERYONE at the club for your incredible support and encouragement from Day 1 of arriving in Sydney.
Whether it was the vast tips and advice on and off the water, words of encouragement, constructive feedback, or just being your awesome sailor-selves, your support as a club has played a part of the massive driving force behind this journey.
I can’t wait to represent Samoa at the Olympics and make my country – and all of you proud.
Thank you for the amazing MHASC team spirit!”
Photo shows Vai with her proud parents and siblings in Samoa.
IOC’s Universality Places are a lifeline to athletes from underrepresented National Olympic Committees and two places were recently offered for the ILCA 6, one of which was granted to Samoa, allowing Vai to be rewarded for her diligence.
Racing starts in Marseilles on 26 July.