The Oceania Weightlifting Institute and Academy (OWIA) was officially launched in Samoa, marking a new phase for the development of the sport in the region. The opening event brought together international and regional weightlifting leaders, including International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) President Dr. Mohammed Jalood and General Secretary Dr. Antonio Urso.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa welcomed guests and acknowledged the contributions of organisations that helped establish the institute.
“This achievement would not be possible without the support of key partners, including the International Weightlifting Federation, the International Olympic Committee, and the Oceania National Olympic Committee,” she said.
The event was attended by top officials from weightlifting federations across multiple continents, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Among them were Bahrain Weightlifting Federation President Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq, Pan American Weightlifting Federation President Jose Quinones, Africa Weightlifting Federation President Khaled Mehalhel, and Asian Weightlifting Federation General Secretary Alharbi Mohammed Ahmed.
A special mention was given to the role of the Samoa Weightlifting Federation and its President, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork.
“Their dedication and hard work have led to today’s milestone,” Fiame said. “Weightlifting has placed Samoa on the international sporting map. Our athletes have demonstrated exceptional talent on global stages, bringing pride to our nation and creating further opportunities for sports development.”
The Government of Samoa has provided financial and infrastructure support to the sport, aligning with its national priorities for youth and sports development. The new academy, equipped with world-class facilities, is expected to serve as a hub for training, competitions, and athlete development.
“With this academy, Samoa is now prepared to host regional and international competitions,” Fiame said. “The Government remains committed to supporting weightlifting, and we look forward to the positive impact this will have on our youth and the broader sports community.”
The event concluded with remarks emphasising the role of the academy in strengthening weightlifting in Oceania and beyond.
