Samoa’s weightlifters are still waiting for the rewards promised to be given to them on Independence Day for their performance during the international weightlifting event held in May.
The Universal Weightlifting Cup was held in Samoa from 27 April to 2 May, attracting more than 500 athletes from 70 different countries. The event was hailed a success and received commendations from weightlifting’s parent body, the International Weightlifting Federation.
Samoan athletes performed exceptionally well. Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt announced that the medal-winning efforts of Samoan athletes in international sports competitions will be recognised during Samoa’s 64th independence celebrations.
He said it had been 10 years since athletes had received any incentives in recognition of their international efforts and it is something that must be done.
However, athletes are yet to receive any rewards. The ceremony to recognise Samoa’s elite and medal-winning athletes was scheduled for Tuesday, 2 June at the Tiafau Malae, Mulinu’u.
