The SWA Samoa weightlifting team has come out of the OWF Online competition the region’s overall winners after they beat the Pacific 2 team with an overall lift of 1072.97kg.

Samoa Weightlifting Federation President Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork told the Samoa Observer in an interview he is proud of the team’s effort, especially their determination to hold onto the regional competition’s top spot from the first day.

"I first want to thank God for guiding us through these past six months of competition. Giving us the strength to push through, even through these hard times with Covid 19," he said.

"I want to congratulate my team for a fantastic performance during every monthly competition they showed improvement and outstanding results. 

“As seen on the scoreboard Samoa finished off with a great surplus of points over other countries.”

Tuaopepe also acknowledged the support of the sponsors through the 10 months of competition, which has now culminated in the team delivering on the desired results.

"Credit goes to the team for all the training put in, lastly, I thank our sponsors, mostly our naming rights sponsor Samoa Water Authority. 

“They have been a blessing for our team and the power behind and driving the Samoa weightlifting team. 

“With their support, we continue to reach higher heights within the world level of competitions.”

The team’s associate sponsors SASNOC, Pure Pacific Water, Samoa Paints Limited and Supakako Group were also acknowledged.

“Lastly, thank the country and the families for their continued support over the past months,” added Tuaopepe.

A statement issued by the Oceania League tournament said 140 lifters competed in every round of competition over the past nine months. 

The tournament organisers also offered their congratulations to Samoa for becoming the outright champions for the Oceania league cup tournament.

"Congratulations to Samoa for winning this year's League Cup tournament. They have had great performances throughout the nine rounds and have won every single match."

The top performers of the SWA Samoa weightlifting team won prize money totalling AU$10,000 (approx. $19,000 tala) which will be transferred to the federations at the end of the week.

And the regional victor’s cup will be presented to Samoa at the Oceania Championships which will be held in Nauru at the end of August this year.