Government rewards Gold Medallist Weightlifter and Coach

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 21 OCTOBER 2022: Samoa’s young Weightlifting Gold medallist, Don Opeloge who smashed the record in the Men’s 96kg in this year’s Commonwealth Games in Manchester, was rewarded $20,000 tala by the Government today.

Weightlifting Coach, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork was also presented a $10,000 tala cheque for leading the team to success at the Commonwealth Games.

The cheques were presented by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo at the Ministry of Public Enterprises conference room today.

The funds were through the Gambling Control Authority.

Tuaopepe is Samoa’s most successful coach in producing world class weightlifters winning Gold and other medals in the Commonwealth, Pacific Games and other competitions and producing Samoa’s only Silver medallist in the Olympics.

Coach Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork announcing he was donating his $10,000 to the four Samoan Silver medallists at the Manchester Commonwealth Games.

He expressed his desire for the government to reward other of Samoa’s Silver medallists at the recent Commonwealth Games.

However, he understood that the government was following the existing policies and he did not take for granted the monetary rewards presented to him and Don Opeloge by the government.

“This is something the new government will look at so hopefully something can be done so our other medallists can also be compensated for their hard-earned efforts,” said Leatinu’u.

After the ceremony, Tuaopepe publicly announced in the media that the $10,000 presented to him will be distributed to all four silver medallists including boxer Ato Plodzicki Faoagali.

The silver medallists at the Manchester Commonwealth Games were weightlifters Feagaiga Stowers, Jack Opeloge, Nevo Ioane and boxer Ato Plodzicki Faoagali.

According to Leatinuu, Cabinet had followed the old policies made by the previous administration but this is something the new government will look at; to reward the efforts of Silver and Bronze medallists as well.

Leatinuu suggested to the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) to write to the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture about this concern as it should be through MESC such a proposal should be made for a Cabinet decision.

The Minister with members of the weightlifting team and Executive members of the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympics Committee (SASNOC).