Samoa will host the 2021 World long distance championship of outrigger canoeing.
The International Va'a Federation Board awarded Samoa the championship following a unanimous vote in Marina Del Rey, California.
Samoan Global News reports the decision follows a bidding process which saw Samoa's two man delegation fly to the United States and present before the Board of Directors.
The event will held from 8th to 15th of August 2021, and is expected to bring 1,500 paddlers from 38 countries to the shores of Samoa.
In California to present Samoa's bid were President of Samoa's Outrigger Canoe Association, Jay Ah Fook-Schuster and national coach Andy Wheatly.
The pair also coach and organise local clubs and Samoa's national teams including the current preparations for the upcoming Pacific Games in July.
Mr Schuster said Samoa's safe and unique coastal waters, rich culture and beauty were their key selling points together with Samoa's track record of being able to organise logistics around hosting high level international events.
He said they are grateful to the many people behind the scenes that have made this possible.