Samoa has solidified its reputation as “the heart of weightlifting” in the Oceania region with the inauguration of the Oceania Institute & Academy for Weightlifting last Saturday at the Tuana’imato Sports Complex. The launch event featured influential figures in the weightlifting community, including Paul Coffa, the General Secretary for the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation, who emphasized the significance of this new facility for the development of the sport.
Coffa highlighted a 23-year history of weightlifting progression in the Pacific, recalling the modest beginnings of an Oceanian Weightlifting Institute in Fiji, established alongside the late Seiuli Paul Wallwork. Over the years, athletes from the region have achieved remarkable success, including medal wins at the Commonwealth Games starting in 2002 and Olympic participation.
Historically, the Pacific has made strides in weightlifting, achieving notable recognition even against international competition. Coffa stated, “Weightlifting became the leading sport of the Pacific, and no other sport matches the performance of our athletes.” The history of accomplishments includes Ele Opeloge, who secured silver at the 2008 Olympics in China.
The reopening of the Institute in Samoa comes after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and signifies a new chapter for athletes in the region. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa lauded the collaborative efforts that made the launch possible, emphasizing Samoa’s commitment to sports development. The Institute aims to serve as a training ground for athletes not just from Oceania, but globally, already attracting interest from athletes from Uganda and Canada in preparation for the Olympics.
Coffa expressed optimism that the Institute & Academy would help secure an impressive medal haul in future competitions, aiming for six medals at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026. He affirmed the importance of fostering a strong community of athletes and officials through workshops and seminars to elevate the sport in the region.
The significance of the Institute’s establishment was echoed by the President of the Samoa Weightlifting Federation, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, who described the day as historic for Oceania’s sport. He thanked key stakeholders, including the Samoan Government and international weightlifting organizations, for their support in realizing this dream.
Dr. Mohhamed Jalood, President of the International Weightlifting Federation, commended the choice of Samoa as a host country for the new Institute, highlighting the determination and resilience of athletes from this region.
This initiative represents not just an investment in the sport of weightlifting, but a broader commitment to the development of sports culture in Samoa and Oceania as a whole. The institute is expected to bring increased attention to weightlifting, inspire future generations, and foster a spirit of unity and excellence among athletes.
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