AUNU'U, American Samoa, November 16.
BRUCKNER Chase was formally given the title of Uila O Le Sami in American Samoa by the village Aunu'u.
His title was conveyed by Fuiava Avaloa, the High Talking Chief of Aunu'u, in May during a blessing and ceremony on the island moments before he began a 9-mile crossing from Aunu'u Island to Pago Pago, the main island of American Samoa. Although the swim was believed to be a first in the 3,000-year history of the island, the title was conveyed in recognition of Bruckner's connection to American Samoa and specifically with its youth.
From the momentum created by the swim, Bruckner and his wife Michelle are now launching an innovative ocean swimming and marine sciences credit course for high school students with support from the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the American Samoa Department of Commerce, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Education and the office of the Governor.
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