Amata Congratulates National Champion Women’s Basketball Team with Standout Player of Samoan Heritage
Leads Colleagues in Pledge of Allegiance on House Floor
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata on Tuesday led her colleagues in the Pledge of Allegiance before House business.
“Leading the Pledge of Allegiance is a reminder of the responsibility of serving, and I’m humbled to have this opportunity on behalf of American Samoa,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata.
Amata Leading the Pledge of Allegiance in the House of Representatives
During House proceedings Tuesday, she gave remarks on the House floor, known as a One Minute speech, to specially honor and congratulate the National Championship South Carolina Gamecocks’ women’s basketball team, and specifically highlight a standout Polynesian player, Tehina Paopao, who is of Samoan and Tokelauan heritage.
Tehina Paopao this year earned 2nd Team All American honors by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, 2nd Team All-SEC, and is a two-time All-PAC-12 Team honoree, among numerous other awards and accolades in her collegiate career.
A clip containing both the Pledge and the One Minute speech is available HERE.
Amata’s Congratulatory House Remarks:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team; these amazing athletes from my good friend Joe Wilson’s district, completed a perfect season culminating in a National Championship. A special congratulations (Malo le ta’alo fa’atamali’i!) to senior guard Tehina Paopao and her contributions to the team. Tehina Paopao is of Samoan and Tokelauan heritage, and I know our islands always love to see our Pacific athletes excelling on the national stage. She will have lifelong memories of scoring 14 points in the national championship! Congratulations to all her friends and family cheering her on in our Polynesian communities from her home in California and elsewhere. I so enjoyed watching this game that attracted millions of people, with lots of nationwide excitement about this special season, all the great teams competing, and their elevation of women’s sports! Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.”
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