Rotaract art contest not about “DIS-abled”, it’s about differently-abled

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Rotaract Club of Pago Pago concluded their Disabilities Awareness Art Contest and announced eight winners on Monday, April 11, 2022. The event started on March 11 to promote National Disability Awareness Month and showcase the artistic talents of our local Disabled and Special Needs communities.

Rotaract received 23 art submissions over the one-month span. They selected 1st-Place and 2nd-Place winners for each of the four competition categories. Names of winners per category are as follows:

JUDGES' PICK (ADULT)

• 1st: Ellie Ah Siu
• 2nd: Christian Salanoa

JUDGES' PICK (YOUTH)

• 1st: Daniel Mataia
• 2nd: David Lim

FAN FAVORITE (MOST FACEBOOK LIKES)

• 1st: MJ Apelu Moetala
• 2nd: Tamasoaali’I Toelupe

CLUB FAVORITE (ROTARACTOR VOTES)

• 1st: Jasmine Scanlan
• 2nd: Allen and Adam-Brian Pua

Each of the four 1st-Place winners received $100 cash, while 2nd-Place winners each received $50 cash. Cash prizes, which totaled $600, were donated by the event’s six corporate sponsors.

Rotaract expresses their most heartfelt thanks to all artists and their families who made time to participate in this meaningful event. They would like to thank all participants, supporters, and sponsors for making this event possible and helping raise awareness that individuals with disabilities are not “DIS-abled”, but only differently-abled. They hope to make this an annual event for March and Disabilities Awareness Month in years to come.