Coaching staff urge Government to reward Commonwealth Games heroes

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 16 AUGUST 2022: The Coaching staff of the Weightlifting Team that won one Gold and three Silvers in the Birmingham Games has called upon the Government to reward the hard-earned efforts of the Commonwealth Games medal winners.

President and Coach of the Weightlifting team, Tuaopepe Asiata Jerry Wallwork emphasized that all the Samoan athletes at the Commonwealth Games had performed tremendously well throughout the games.

“Not just the weightlifting team but all other athletes performed their best hence we’d very much appreciate it if they’re rewarded financially for their efforts,” he said.

“For the weightlifting team itself, seeing it from a Coach’s perspective, they’ve competed proudly and did so many personal bests and for us coaches, even if you don’t win a gold or silver medal but if you’ve done a personal best, that’s all that matters for your career going forward.”

Under the previous government, the monetary rewards are based on the level of the competition, be it the Pacific, Commonwealth or the Olympics.

Currently, a Commonwealth Games Gold medal is valued at $20,000 and the Silver medals at $10,000 tala.

But the Minister of Sports, Seuula Ioane told Talamua, the issue of monetary rewards for the Commonwealth Games medal winners is yet to be discussed by Cabinet.

Gold medallist, Don Opeloge said his award-winning performance was motivated by the support of his grandparents and the support he has been receiving since day one.

Breaking and setting a record in the Birmingham Games, the officials are wondering about the 23 year old lifter’s chances had he competed in last years’ Japan Olympics when Team Samoa pulled out in the last minute due to the Covid lockdown.

“Being back with this gold medal and especially the team with other medallists and seeing these faces welcoming us is overwhelming and we’re really grateful,” he said when arriving at the airport last Thursday.

Among those at the welcoming party were his grandparents, the inspiration for the world famous Opeloge family name in the sport of weightlifting. From that family crop, Ele Opeloge is the highest achiever having won Samoa’s only Silver medal in the Olympics.

But this is Don Opeloge’s day, “The games were surely not easy but we believe we’ve done our country proud as well as the performance of all the other Samoan athletes at the Commonwealth Games.”

Coach Tuaopepe said the team will next be preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games.