Samoa’s Gold Medalist Rewarded
Gold Medalist Don Opeloge with Coach Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork
Photo: Eyespyradio / Anetone Sagaga
Samoan weightlifter icon Don Opeloge has been recognized and rewarded for his prestigious accomplishment in the XXII Commonwealth Games in Birmingham England where he triumphantly won a gold medal in the men's 96kg's. Samoa's golden boy was presented with a cheque of $20,000.00tala for his achievement.
The award was presented by the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour Leatinuu Wayne Fong on Friday this week together with Don's team players and of course his respected trainer Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork.
During Minister Leatinuu Wayne Fong remarks he acknowledged Don Opeloge for this great achievement and has challenged the son's and daughters of Samoa to do the same and they will be rewarded and blessed.
"The cheque that we present today in accordance with Government Policy to reward sons and daughters representing our nation and attain gold medals will be blessed financially by the Government." states the Minister during his remarks."
Gold Medalist Don Opeloge rewarded by Hon Minister Leatinuu Wayne Fong.
Photo: Eyespyradio / Anetone Sagaga
This new legislation was approved in the Cabinet meeting on 21st September this year to award Gold Medal Athlete's and their coach.
Samoa's national coach Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork and his team were also awarded a $10,00.00tala cheque during the ceremony. In an interview with Eye Spy Radio Tuaopepe mentioned that the nature of his work is prioritising his team first.
"All my life , I've lived in these games and the world of sportsmanship. The proper way was always giving precedence to the athlete first and foremost." he says.
Tuaopepe added how competitive everyone was and how their journey was not an easy one. He states that from thirty years of his experiences he sees gold, silver and bronze medals as the same and that every event is a challenge.
Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork
Photo: Eyespyradio / Anetone Sagaga
The gold medalist Don Opeloge was lost for words when asked how this whole experience was for him."I am speechless and all I can say is to give thanks to the most high and my family and the never ending prayers of the people of Samoa" the star said .
He acknowledged the Government of Samoa and the recognition he was blessed with. He also stated that his win wasn't for me but a dedication to his nation as we've been through so much in the past year.