Government
Government sends off Samoa’s Pacific Mini Games team with encouragement
By Talaia Mika
APIA, SAMOA – 10 JUNE 2022: The Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio offered blessings and words of encouragement to Team Samoa on behalf of the Government and People of Samoa before the team departs on Saturday 11 June for Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, 17 – 25 June.
Team Samoa consists of local and overseas based elite athletes who will be competing in Athletics, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Tennis, and Weightlifting.
The President of the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) announced the Athletes and Management of the team early this week.
Athletes, Sports and Officials:
Athletics: Donny Tuimaseve –Men’s Javelin; Kelvin Masoe—Men’s 100m, Long Jump & 4x100m Relay; Johnny Key—100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay & 4x400m Relay; Kolone Peter Alefosio—110m Hurdles, Long Jump; William Hunt– 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay, 4x400m Relay; Livingstonerick Savaiinaea—110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, 4x400m Hurdles; Jireh Otto Westerlund– 110m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles, 4x400m Relay; Pesamino Iakopo—100m, 4x100m Relay.
Officials: Ah Chong Sam Chong (Coach) and Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt (Manager)
Beach Volleyball: Eneliko Tui – Men’s Pair, Faith Vui – Men’s Pair
Official: Mavaega Falefata (Coach)
Golf: Lio Vui – Men’s Golf, Faith Vui – Women’s Golf
Official: Garry Manua Vui (Coach)
Tennis: Leon So’onalole – Men’s Team Event, Singles, Doubles & Mixed; Kristen Pavitt – Men’s Team Event, Singles, Doubles & Mixed; Eleanor Schuster – Women’s Team Event, Singles, Doubles & Mixed; Mahina Warren – Women’s Team Event, Singles, Doubles & Mixed.
Official: Shona Pavitt (Manager)
Weightlifting: Iuniarra Sipaia – Women’s 87+kg; Lesila Fiapule – Women’s 87+kg; Imoasina Pelenato – Women’s 87kg; Tovio Ah Chong– Men’s 81kg; Faustina Niusila Opeloge—Women’s 81kg; Avatu Opeloge– Women’s 76kg.
Officials: Tupuola Niusila Opeloge (Coach) Tuuamaalii Hiti Opeloge (Manager)
Team Management:
- Sulā Tagifano So’onalole-Sam Chong—Chef de Mission
- Henrietta Aviga Merciette—COVID Officer
- Kosetatino Tuionetoa—Sports Massage SASNOC
- President – Pauga Talalelei Pauga