Greg Louganis: Samoan ceremony to honor Greg and his father Lutu

June 25, 2022:
Aloha Mark,
Today's event was propitious as well as blessed in many ways. Mahalo to Kumu Ramsay and Kumu Kalani for the opening protocol and blessings that precedes traditional Samoan ava outside of Samoa. Their blessings and prayers conjured our mutual ancestors who blessed us with their unseen presence.

Mahalo to Nara for initiating with respect the engagement of the Samoan Ava ceremony to honor Greg and his father Lutu, and warm welcome to you Mark and wonderful entourage. The bestowal of a ranking title to Greg from the Tuimalealiifano paramount (Tama-Aiga) aiga, by Tai'aopo Tuimalealiifano; sister of Samoa's Head of State Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II is very significant among the people of the South Pacific. In particular Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.

A visit to Samoa with Tai'aopo to introduce Greg to the paramount families of Samoa would be huge. Something that both you and Nara should plan on being part of when that time comes. I of course, will assist with such a visit that will also include a welcome from the Malietoa Paramount Tama Aiga line of which I am descendent from.

Thank you both and those who assisted in making this event truly special. Especially from our Samoan extended family led by Taiaopo, Patolo Kap,Tasi Ae Afe and ranking chiefs who sent their heirs to help with preparations.

I so appreciated time to speak with Greg and talked of nominating him as a 2022 Star of Oceania. He will be among the giants of Oceania whom will be inducted this year as a child of Papahanaumoku, or our Earth Mother.

The event, inaugurated in 2006 recognizes and honors those from and of the Great Moana whom through their endeavors raised the common good serving as inspirations for actions towards caring for the environment, sustaining cultural heritage, establishing preeminence in a field of endeavor (sports, science, literature, arts, spirituality. healing, medicine, etc., etc.) and demonstrating moral courage to do the right thing by engaging in healing with aloha towards harmony and peace.

As I do not have his email, please forward this email to him and my cell number so that we can communicate. I've attached the draft 2022 Stars of Oceania Power Point (See attachment)for his review. I'm glad I delayed finalizing and releasing the information to the public. I now sense why. I had moved to public release for June 30.

Greg, when I asked him about being nominated as a 2022 Star of Oceania indicated his interest. I told him we'll communicate online as I would like to officially confirm his willingness to be a nominee. He has inspired generations of around the world, and Pacific Islanders in particular. Recognizing and honoring him as an inductee, would enhance greatly not only his historic achievements but his spirit of humility, respect, aloha and kindness. Especially to a region that admires such virtues and proud of sharing a common heritage.
Mahalo,
Papali'i Dr. Tusi