Recognising the unsung heroes

By Sina Sevaaetasi 08 December 2016, 12:00AM

It’s been a big year for boxing, both in Samoa and overseas.

As the sport flourishes, administrators pause to lend a helping hand to other sporting bodies. 

This week, Pound 4 Pound donated $2,000 to the Samoa Paralympics Committee.

The money was raised through an auction during the Vailima Corporate Fight Night last Saturday.   

The auction featured impressive items such as a stay at Taumeasina Island Resort, 2 tickets for Lupesoliai Joseph Parker’s WBO Title fight in New Zealand and a pair of boxing gloves signed by the man himself.  

But no item compared to the invaluable sentimental #11 jersey up for auction which was “Inga the Wingers” All Black jersey from his last test match.  

All four items sold within minutes and the grand total raised was $4,000 on the night.  

The money was split between the Samoa Paralympics Committee and Avele College.  

Pound4Pound, Va’aiga Tuigamala delightedly presented the check to Paralympics Committee. 

 “I was looking at the charities that are not well know and don’t get the exposure that other bigger charities that get,” he said. 

“I’ve seen the hard work they’ve (Paralympics Committee) put in but it all comes down to funding and with the limited  resources they have and our most vulnerable as well and haven’t been given the spotlight on their particular sport.  The Paralympics Samoa, fit what we were looking for. 

“It’s not just them, Avele College was also one of the recipients as well from the auction.   

“We’re excited because I know them personally and know the struggles they face to give an equal opportunity to their sports men and women.  They represent Samoa.  As they say, International is international.  We take as much pride in getting these athletes something to be proud of.  

“We’re excited in that sense to help out.  It’s our privilege to work alongside them.  This is not the only time we’ll look at supporting this organization, who is doing well.  I call them unsung heroes of our sport.  That’s including their administration and the athletes themselves.  With these funds,  I hope they use it to make these athletes proud of who they represent.” 

Maylani Ah-Hoy, a member of the executive committee of the Samoa Paralympics Committee and Coach, was overwhelmed with gratitude. 

 “On behalf of Committee, we would like to acknowledge  the generous donation of Fesolai Va’aiga Tuigamala and family as well as the management of Pound 4 Pound boxing and Samoa Plantation Boxing, that made Corporate Fight Night a huge success.  We thank them from the bottom of our heart for the generous and kind donation for the development of the sport and Paralympic athletes in Samoa.

“We hope that they continue to the good work they’ve been doing in developing the sport of boxing in Samoa and very happy to be associated with them and can’t say enough or express enough gratitude for the very kind donation that they’ve given us.”

By Sina Sevaaetasi 08 December 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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