Parker inspires youth of Samoa

By Sarafina Sanerivi 20 December 2016, 12:00AM

Each and every one of us aspires to be someone successful in the future.

We also have at least one or two role models that we look up to while achieving our goals. 

For Malu Matapusi, 26 years old from the village of Faleula, his role model is none other than the Heavyweight World Champion, Lupesoliai Laauli Joseph Parker.

Speaking to the Village Voice yesterday, Malu said he wants to be very successful like Lupesoliai.

“He is a great role model and has become a great inspiration for the young ones,” he said.

“Parker’s story is like many other successful people. It all started from a dream that he had, and with the push from his family, friends and also hard work and commitment, he is now a champion.

“And to me, I want to be just like him. I like to think that I am still young and that I can still achieve the things I want in life if I work hard like him (Parker). 

“I mean, we all have different talents and callings from God. We just have to work hard and have faith in him.”

And just like Lupesoliai, Malu said boxing is also his favorite sport.

“I love boxing,” he said.

“Aside from rugby, boxing is my  other favorite sport. I also have some experience and knowledge on how to play the game.

“I didn’t really think that I could make money out of it so I stopped for a while. But seeing the way Parker has been and how committed he is to his trainings and where he is now, it’s motivating me to get back on trainings and start wearing boxing gloves again.

“I mean if Parker can do it, I think I can do it too.

“Especially because Parker is from our village, Faleula, it’s a proud feeling for me to see him successful in his career and I want to be just like him.

“And I will do everything and anything to achieve my goal. I will work hard and keep praying and hope I will achieve my goal in life.”

Finally, Malu also wants to congratulate and thank Lupesoliai for being such a great role model to the youths of Samoa.

“I know his road to where he is now was not easy, and it’s never going to be easy. But he came a long way and he has achieved so much and he is just 24 years old.

“And I just want to thank him for his great effort and for representing our country and also our village. He is a great role model and an inspiration and I thank him for that.

“But like I said earlier, I want to be like him. I will work hard and give it my all to achieve my goals and make my family proud.”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 20 December 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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