More than 50 students and future weightlifting stars took part in an introductory programme at Leiifiifi College Hall yesterday.

They were from four secondary schools in Samoa including Papauta Girls High School, Faleata College, Maluafou College and Leiifiifi College. 

The recent success of the Samoa National Weightlifting team at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, motivated these young future stars to take part in this weightlifting development programme.

The programme is an initiative by the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture in partnership with the Samoa National Weightlifting Federation.

According to the Programme Director and Samoa Weightlifting Sports Officer, Oloiali’i Niu Sila Opeloge, the main objective of the programme is to introduce and develop the grassroots level, and identity young talented students for the upcoming Pacific Games next year.

“Last year was the first year weightlifting was introduced to secondary schools level, so this programme also aims to prepare the students for the second Secondary Schools Weightlifting competition this year.”

“The four schools participating today (yesterday) are the only schools that have weightlifting equipment and facilities. We will be going to other schools after these schools.”

Oloiali’i mentioned that weightlifting fits well for Samoan men and women because of their physique.

“I believe that weightlifting should be recognise as Samoa’s national sport because this is the only sport that has won Samoa Gold medals in the Commonwealth Games.”

Oloiali’i added there are huge talents showcased by the progamme participants.

He acknowledged the Government, through M.E.S.C., for providing this platform to develop weightlifting from the grassroots level.

The Secondary Schools Weightlifting competition is schedule to kick-off in August this year.