Island events recap

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Date: June 2010 - South Pacific

VA'A
2010 World Championship in Noumea

Even when they did not win their bet to do "at least as well" as in Sacramento two years ago, the Polynesian canoe races have shown on the water area of Anse Vata in New Caledonia that they were widely and way the bests in the discipline.

With a total of 28 gold medals (vs. 31 two years ago), 24 silver medals and 10 bronze medals, the Polynesians proudly represented the va'a, the top sport in our islands, while leaving a few scraps to their more and more aggressive competitors.
Still the Kiwis grabbed 42 medals, among which 12 gold and the Australians also made progress, with 18 medals, among which 6 gold. It is to note however the mixed results of the ladies, who won "only" 18 medals among which 6 gold medals, leaving 9 medals to New Zealand, our main adversary.

As to our "cousins" from New Caledonia, they certainly made progress contrarily to what could show the medals (1 silver, 2 bronze, showing an overall enthusiasm, namely in the really communicative organization of these world championships.

The only real "losers" seem to be the Hawaiians, whose mixed results have caused a few waves within their management. Next meeting will be in 2012 in Calgary, Canada for the continuation of these competitions, which will soon become a full fledge Olympic sport.

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