On the stage during competition, Olympic Silver Medalist Ele Opeloge is described as fierce, powerful and strong.  

Onlookers stand in awe of the proud Samoan throwing up weights as if its no big deal.

Off the stage, however, she transforms into the persona of a humble polite and soft-spoken woman.

The description comes from the Chief Executive Officer of Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (S.A.S.N.O.C.), Fa’amausili Taiva Ah Young.

He praised the young woman for bringing such a coveted triumph to our shores.

Faamausili recalls meeting Ele at the Commonwealth Games in 2014.  

“I’ve gotten to speak to her in Glasgow, she is a very humble person,” he said. 

“But when you see her during the competition you can see the commitment that’s there. She’s very humble and very committed.

“Her commitment and attitude is very respectful. Just being with her there, she gets a lot respect from the community.  

“For Samoa as well, it’s a great promotion for Samoa. It’s a small country and yet we have a high level athlete producing Olympic medals.”

Ele went on to dominate the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014, winning the silver medal in the 75+kg category.  

Fa’amausili also acknowledged the respect Samoa now commands on the international sporting stage because of Ele.

“Samoa has never won a medal in the Olympics sports,” he said. 

“To have a Samoan lady who is winning a silver medal is a huge achievement for Samoa. I think also, it a very rewarding result for Ele.  She’s a very committed athlete.

“If there is any way we can help Ele, we should do it.  Both financial and give the respect she deserves and the recognition.  We sincerely hope that everyone contribute to the Samoa Observe Ele Fund.  It’s a great imitative. 

“We also ask the committee to recognize this achievement.  It’s a great achievement for Samoa and we sincerely hope that more athletes grow to emulate what Ele has achieved. It’s a great achievement and she’s a great role model to follow.”

How to contribute to Samoa Observer - Ele’s Fund

Take your donation to the Samoa Observer Apia office or the Samoa Observer Vaitele headquarters, record your name and details and get a receipt.

or, Take your donation to the Bank of the South Pacific, Apia, Vaitele  or Salelologa, 

Account: Samoa Observer – Ele’s Fund: 2000935599 and record your name and details.  

and, Ring us about your donation if you have an individual, group, class, school or business, and you would like newspaper coverage, please contact.

Marj 7516766 or Salema 23078