The man behind Samoa’s champion weightlifting team has decided to give his $10,000 tala cash bonus to four Samoan Commonwealth Games silver medallists who missed out on the payment from the Government.

Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, whose name has become synonymous with the success of the sport in Samoa, publicly declared at the conclusion of the Government’s presentation of cash bonus payments to himself and the Commonwealth Games gold medalist weightlifter Don Opeloge on Friday that he will give his cash prize to the country’s four silver medallists which includes a boxer.

Mr. Opeloge received a $20,000 tala as a bonus from the Government through the Samoa Gambling Control Authority after he won a gold medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in England over two months ago.

Tuaopepe, who is not only the President of the Samoa Weightlifting Federation but also the coach, received $10,000 tala from the Government as a token of appreciation for his commitment and dedication to train his winning athlete. 

"My $10,000 will be given to our four silver medalists including the boxer," Tuaopepe said in an exclusive interview with the Samoa Observer.

"So if our athletes work so hard to win medals for Samoa, they should get what they deserve. 

“I mean it really isn't a payment of their service as flag carriers for Samoa. But it's the recognition of their hard work and years of preparations for these international sporting competitions."

The cash bonus payments to Mr. Opeloge and Tuaopepe were made under the policy of the previous Administration, which only recognised gold medal winners at either the Olympics or the Commonwealth Games as well as the athletes' coach. 

Responding to questions from this newspaper, Tuaopepe confirmed that the $20,000 tala given to Mr. Opeloge for winning a gold medal "is nowhere near close" to the amount of money they spent on their preparations for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games this year.

"I was hoping the amount would be the same as what was set back in 2010 for gold medalists to get $50,000 tala but that's okay.

"For me we need to focus on our athletes as they are putting a lot of things on the line to win medals for our country."

Nonetheless Tuaopepe is optimistic about the future and indicated that the Minister of Public Enterprise has assured there will be a review of the policy to reward Samoa’s best performing athletes.

"The Minister (Leatinu'u Wayne So'oialo) has already declared that there will be a review of the policy in place for financial rewards for our winning athletes,” said the coach.

"He also confirmed that as part of the review, they are looking at the inclusion of silver and bronze medalists to be rewarded so we are grateful that the Minister is taking the lead and proposing positive changes moving forward. 

"The Minister also asked for the process to be a lot quicker which in my belief is something that needs to be done. 

“We are just receiving these rewards two months after the Commonwealth Games, I mean the hype and excitement had already faded away. 

"However, we are grateful and are appreciative that it has been done."

Tuaopepe is the son of Seiuli Paul and Su'a Julia Wallwork. His father Seiuli is a former lifter and champion back in his younger years hence Tuaopepe's love for the sport starting from a very young age. 

The presentation of the bonus payments to the athlete and his coach was held at the Ministry of Public Enterprise conference room on Friday afternoon, with the Minister whose portfolio oversees the operation of Samoa Gambling Control, sponsoring the cash rewards at the ceremony.