FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

       “I know it’s been said that Democrats and Republicans can’t work together, but the truth is, our women’s bobsled team is the recent beneficiary of bi-partisan support,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  

       Thanks to the joint efforts of Congressman Chris Cannon (R-Utah) and Faleomavaega, the team received $15,000 from Clear Channel Communications and a commitment from the company to donate an additional $35,000.  Clear Channel Communications owns 1,200 radio stations across the nation.  Eight stations in Utah, including Rock 99, Oldies 94.1, KKAT Country 101.9, KISN 97, 94.9 ZHT and AM stations 700 Classic Country, 570 KNRS, and KALL 910, will participate in fund-raising, marketing, promotion and interview efforts.  One disc jockey is even proposing to work out with the team.  

       “So much interest is being generated that it is already anticipated that Clear Channel Communications will exceed their pledge of $35,000,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “With the combined efforts of eight radio stations, Clear Channel Communication expects to double or triple its commitment.”

       “I want to thank Congressman Cannon for being so responsive to my request for assistance in funding Team American Samoa,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “I also want to thank Clear Channel Communications for their generous support.  Jonathon Cloward, Director of Marketing for Rock 99, deserves a special thanks for his tireless efforts.”

       “Congressman Cannon and I are also working to garner additional support from other Utah businesses.  I am also in discussions with NIKE and can only hope that support will continue to grow,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  

       “I also want to thank Taylor Boyd, the American Samoa Bobsled and Skeleton team manager, for his commitment to our team.  Mr. Boyd recently purchased a $60,000 bobsled for our team to prepare for the 2002 Olympics.  Without his assistance, it wouldn’t be possible for our team to compete or be represented at the Olympic level,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.

       Currently, fifteen countries are expected to compete in the women’s bobsled debut at the 2002 Winter Olympics.  American Samoa’s team, known officially as the Polynesian Run, includes Cynthea Wight (driver), Kassie Afo (pusher), Jennifer Wyatt (driver), Puataunofo Matagi (pusher), Lani Matagi (pusher) and Felicia Canfield (skeleton). 

       “It is my understanding that the track record for women’s bobsled is 49.4 seconds,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “The best time for the American Samoa team is 50.7 seconds.  I believe that Team American Samoa has a great chance of going for the gold.  In fact, Felicia Canfield, who graduated from Samoana High School, just recently returned from skeleton training in Canada where she took the silver.”

       “I want to congratulate Felicia for her recent victory,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “I also want to express my appreciation to our entire Women’s Bobsled team.  They are a credit to our community and will represent us well.  They have my full support and I have assured them that they also have the full support of American Samoa.”