Team Samoa for Commonwealth Games 2022, Birmingham, named.
Just two weeks after returning home from the Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Team Samoa are ready to head off again to Birmingham, where they will contend in the Commonwealth Games, from 28th July - 8th August 2022.
The President and Board of Directors of Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee made the announcement on Wednesday July 13th, 2022, at the SASNOC Headquarters in Tuanaimato, and named the official squad who will represent Samoa.
Team Samoa is made up of both local and overseas based elite athletes in seven sports - Athletics, Boxing, Judo, Rugby 7s, Swimming, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.
ATHLETICS
1. Alexander Meli Rose
2. Donny Masele Tuimaseve
3. Jeremy Raponi Dodson
4. Johnny Key
5. Kelvin Tuiala Savaiinaea
6. Kolone Paul Peter Alefosio
7. Nuuausala Sialataua Malota Tuilefano
8. Pesamino Iakopo
9. William Angliss Hunt
Nonu Ah Chong Sam Chong (Coach)
Dane Michael Miller (Assistant Coach)
Leiataualesā Jerry Brunt (Manager)
AQUATIC - SWIMMING
1. Brandon Lloyd Schuster
2. Lushavel Yvonne Petina Stickland
3. Olivia Jennifer Borg
4. Thomas Kokoro Frost
Suzanne Schuster (Coach)
BOXING
1. Ato Leau Plodzicki-Faoagali
2. Jancen Poutoa
3. Marion Faustino Ah Tong
Mikaele Lemisio (Coach)
Jesmario Ah Tong (Assistant Coach)
JUDO
1. William Tai Tin
Derek Sua (Coach)
MEN RUGBY SEVENS
1. Faafoi Falaniko
2. Iafeta Mahony Purcell
3. Levi Nifo Milford
4. Melani Matavao
5. Motu Opetai
6. Neueli Molesi Leitufia
7. Owen Niue
8. Paul Junior Scanlan
9. Steve Onosai
10. Taunuu Niulevaea
11. Uaina Sione
12. Vaafauese Apelu Maliko
13. Vaovasa Afa
Muliagatele Brian Pala Lima (Coach)
Tausa Faamaoni Lalomilo (Assistant Coach)
Hari Junior Moses Narayan (Analyst)
Yon Garcia Cobos (Physiotherapist)
Tuala Patrick Patty Isitolo Leota (Manager)
WEIGHTLIFTING
1. Don Opeloge
2. Feagaiga Stowers
3. Jack Hitila Opeloge
4. John Lautafi Tafi
5. Petelo Tuiloma Lautusi
6. Vaipava Nevo Ioane
Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork (Coach)
Ele Opeloge (Assistant Coach)
Toafitu Perive (Assistant Coach)
Hiti Don Opeloge (Manager)
WRESTLING
1. Maulalo Willie Salumalo Alofipo
2. Taitaifono Adam Eti Tamati
Gaku Akazawa (Coach)
CGA Delegation:
President: Pauga Talalelei Pauga
Secretary General: Sifuiva Maureen Epati Tuimalealiifano
Team Management Officials
1. Sulā Tagifano So’onalole-Sam Chong—Chef de Mission
2. Leasi Ioane Galuvao – General Team Manager
3. Elizabeth Evans - Physiotherapist
4. Henrietta Aviga Mercier—COVID-19 Officer
5. Kosetatino Tuionetoa— Masseur
A press release from SASNOC stated “Team Samoa has been training for the Commonwealth games, and we believe they are well prepared and equipped to take on the quest and bring home medals.”
A group of athletes and officials from the Men’s Rugby Sevens team will be the first to depart Samoa this week on Thursday 14th July 2022, with the rest of Team Samoa leaving the following week.
An official send off for Team Samoa will take place on Monday 18th July 2022 where the Deputy Prime Minister will offer a word of encouragement, advice and blessing for Team Samoa on behalf of the Government and People of Samoa, before they depart.
The SASNOC Executive Board and Management expressed their sincere gratitude for the unwavering support of all their sponsors and partners for making it possible for Team Samoa to compete again in the Commonwealth Games 2022.
SASNOC acknowledged namely the Government of Samoa through Samoa International Finance Authority, Samoa Tourism Authority, Ministry of Education Sports and Culture, and the National Bank of Samoa, as well as their partners for their ongoing support.