N.U.S. lifts spirits of Samoa’s sporting hero
The Ele Fund has received another major donation; this time from the National University of Samoa. Yesterday, the University donated $1,050.40.
The Vice Deputy Chancellor of the National University of Samoa, Peseta Dr. Desmond Lee Hang and Amituana’i Tuiloma Vernetta Heem met with Ele and her coach, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork to hand over the contribution.
Peseta explained that the money was raised through faculty and students who all pitched in.
He said they also felt it was important to give back to Ele who was once a sports ambassador for the school.
“We had a programme in the past known as the Diplomatic Sports Management and She was an ambassador for that program.”
In addition, the school has backed her since she blossomed into the incredible lifter she is today.
“In her achievements in the 2007 South Pacific Games, the University also recognized her achievements then and we continue to recognise her achievements now,” he said.
Peseta noted the importance of having one of our own as someone for the students to look up to.
“For us, Ele is a member of us and every time anything happens we want to recognize it. She’s also a very well known role model for our students,” he said.
This is the first contribution that Ele has attended in person since her arrival last week.
In her meek and mild demeanour, she thanked N.U.S. for backing her way before she received the silver medal and even up until now.
Her coach, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork also thanked the University for donating to Ele.