The National Bank of Samoa donated $30,000 to Samoa Weightlifting as part of their sponsorship and to assist in the launching of the Oceania Weightlifting Institute and Academy on 15 February which could open doors for sports tourism. 

The cheque was handed over by the NBS CEO, Papalii Sam Swann to the Samoa Weightlifting President Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork and team.

"We want to acknowledge the National Bank of Samoa for their continuous support and to kick start our year. They have given us $30,000 and we know it's not a small amount but it's all for the development of our federation. Our institute will be launched at Gym 1, Tuanaimato and there is a high expectancy of international delegates," he said.

"This opportunity that we got is rare. Right now in the world; there is no other academy under the International Weightlifting Federation, this will be the only endorsed and certified which means the whole world will be coming to Samoa to attain these licenses. Europe, Asia, and Africa have not been approved yet perhaps in the near future."

Presidents of associations around the world are expected to be at the launching, as well as the President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, and Commonwealth and Oceania high-level delegates. The number of attendees will be very high and Tuaopepe is fully prepared to host them all.

"We won't be taking this lightly in terms of our preparations, NBS has come on board as well as the Government of Samoa. They have been very supportive of this new institute as it opens the door to the world. It is an elite training centre," he said. 

"We've called it the 'academy' which will deal with coaching, referees, and athletes courses. It is a blessing for us, especially for our Federation and also Samoa. I believe this is an advantage for us as the world will now be coming here to get their license."

Samoa is the only recognised institute in Oceania and the World. He acknowledged all their sponsors, SASNOC, and PacificAus Sports who have also lent a helping hand for this event. 

Many events and competitions are coming up for the Samoa Weightlifting team. But for the next few weeks, their focus is on the launching of their new institute and academy. There will also be coaching clinics for Oceania, followed by an elite training camp for the Oceania and Commonwealth for one week.

"For Oceania, there are 22 countries, then we will open it to the Commonwealth where there are 47 countries. But it's also open to the world. We have received confirmation that China's weightlifting team will be coming to Samoa for their training camp and their coaches will be using the opportunity to get their licenses too. There is a new policy from the international body, that if we don't attain this license then we can't compete on the international level."

Tuapepe also confirmed that we are not there yet but they are still trying to build more accomodation blocks for their institute and academy. As for the gym, it is more than enough to train hundreds of athletes.