2023-08-09 20:51:27
The edition of the Manatai Cup 2023 starts tomorrow and will be held until August 18. Every day there will be trials, demonstrations, events that will enliven all of Uvea. A particularly busy program for the seven days of the event.
Everything will start this Friday, August 11, very early for the Manatai Cup. The athletes of the external delegation will arrive at 6am at Hihifo Wallis airport. An arrival which will be followed by a meeting to learn more about the island and its traditions. Later in the day, competitors will meet King Takumasiva at Sagato Soane and then King Ma’utamakia. You will understand, a day focused on the discovery and traditions of the fenua.
Saturday August 12: island tour
The serious things will therefore begin on Saturday with three events around the island. From 12:30 p.m., rowers will set off, followed half an hour later by hobie cats (small catamarans). Finally, at 2 p.m., all those who are in kite, wind, wing will be able to attack the tour of Uvea. A Saturday rich in various races.
Sunday August 13: discovery
After a hectic day on August 12, Sunday, as for the workers, will be calmer. No race, but many free sessions and in particular a demonstration at Faioa islet (district of Mua). To get there, the boat, especially through the taxiboat. Please note that a barbecue will be organized in Faioa.
Monday August 14: the return of competition
After a well-deserved rest on Sunday, Monday is the return to the races, and it will be dense. It starts at 12 p.m. with the one-kilometre swim race between Kaviki and Liku. In the process, from 12:30 p.m., it’s the rowing test, followed at 1 p.m. by the optimist test (small boats), then at 1:30 p.m. by the sailing test with hobie cat from gateway. And it’s not over, since from 1:45 p.m., the traditional canoe race will start. Then at 2 p.m., it’s time for the board events with the kite, wind and wing race between Liku and Nukuhione (3 km), followed, at 3:30 p.m., by a return kite race between amateurs and pros. From 4 p.m., expected arrival of the first riders, and a demonstration of freestyle will be held in front of the young people of the village. Finally, at 4.30 p.m., traditional dances to enliven the day before the awards ceremony at 5 p.m. A hell of a program!
Tuesday August 15: cultural day
It is a less sporty day but just as full which will be held on August 15, since it is a public holiday. Thus, from 7 a.m., there will be mass at Sagato Soane, followed by the kava ceremony, for an immersion in Wallisian culture for the athletes. Then will follow the festivities organized on the territory. At 4 p.m., a sunset flat freestyle session will take place in Nukuhione, and a party will be held there afterwards (be careful, last taxiboat at 8 p.m.).
Wednesday August 16: rest day
After two busy days, both sportingly and culturally, a break will obviously be welcome for the athletes, but also for the volunteers and organizers who are not idle during the event.
Thursday August 17: the final races
Hoping that Wednesday will have been relaxing, since Thursday is off to a flying start! First event from 8:30 am with a downwind descent from Liku to the islet of Nukuloa. At 1 p.m., still on the islet, there will be demonstrations and exchanges with young people from the fenua to introduce them to the disciplines of Manatai. 3:30 p.m., start of the return race, it will be the last. The evening will be synonymous with evening, for the closing party, and yes, already.
Friday August 18: the end
An end that will be very early in the morning, the departure of the athletes will be at 4:45 am, direction Nouméa, after six days of trials, discoveries and sharing. It will also be the end of the 2023 edition of the Manatai Cup, which will not return next year! But don’t worry, it’s just to come back better in 2025, so take advantage of it.
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