David Tua takes on suicide, depression

By Staff Writer 23 April 2016, 12:00AM

“The concert will be an opportunity for To’aletai David Tua and Annie to share their real life messages of victory from depression, abuse, tragedy, sickness and suicide” – Grace Restores Committee 

Former world heavyweight boxing title challenger and one of Samoa’s favourite sons, To’aletai David Tua, is coming home.

The Faleatiu native is scheduled to arrive in Samoa for the Annie Grace Samoa Concert to be held in front of the government building next Saturday, 30 April 2016.

But don’t expect To’aletai David Tua to put on a pair of gloves that evening. 

The world heavyweight title contender will instead be fighting a different battle, using his story and his life to inspire and help people who are battling depression, suicidal thoughts and other social challenges.

To’aletai David Tua is scheduled to share his testimony about his struggles with the issues during the show, where everyone is invited.

The show is called “Grace restores,” headlined by award-winning artist, Annie Tonumali’i. The free community event aims to raise awareness and encourage members of the public to seek help.

Many people know To’aletai David Tua as a star. 

What they don’t know is that he had battled depression and hardship for a long time; especially after the fame and fortune of boxing when he just about lost everything.

“The concert will be an opportunity for To’aletai David Tua and Annie to share their real life messages of victory from depression, abuse, tragedy, sickness and suicide,” a statement from the organisers said. 

“We are living perilous times, and we believe that these are themes that resonate well with the young people of Samoa.  

“The overall objective of this gospel concert is to release a message of victory and hope that will impact the young people of Samoa.  The theme for the concert is “Grace restores.”

Like To’aletai David Tua’s battle with depression, Annie has battled through issues such as multiple miscarriages, being diagnosed with a bone marrow disease among many other life threatening challenges.

On that evening, To’aletai David Tua and Annie want to remind people that “God’s Grace restores.”

To help them do this, they are bringing to Samoa an international production team of more than 20 for the event.

In the lead up to the concert, Annie will be undertaking free music workshops in schools, churches and with young people.  

There will also be a free concert in the village of Nu’usuatia on Thursday night for the people who cannot make it to Apia for the Saturday concert.  

To’aletai David Tua and Annie are scheduled to visit inmates to share their life-changing stories and tell them about how they can obtain help.

 


By Staff Writer 23 April 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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