The Samoa IBFC Universal Weightlifting Cup 2026 has been officially opened, with the Government presenting the event as part of Samoa’s wider push to strengthen sport, athlete development, and sports tourism.
The opening ceremony was addressed by Acting Prime Minister Honourable Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o, who welcomed athletes, officials, international sporting leaders, sponsors, and guests on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government of Samoa.
The Head of State, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, and Fa’amausili Leinafo Tuimaleali’ifano were acknowledged at the ceremony, along with members of Cabinet, the judiciary, government ministries, diplomatic representatives, and sporting bodies.
International sporting leaders attending the event included International Weightlifting Federation President Mohammed Hasan Jalood, Oceania and Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation President Marcus Stephen, and representatives of the International Olympic Committee and Oceania National Olympic Committee.
The Acting Prime Minister also acknowledged Tuaopepe Asiata Jerry Wallwork, President of the Samoa Weightlifting Federation, President of SASNOC, and an Executive Member of the International Weightlifting Federation, for his role in bringing the competition to Samoa.
The competition is being held under the naming rights sponsorship of the International Business Finance Centre, the commercial and marketing arm of the Samoa International Finance Authority. Associate sponsors include the National Bank of Samoa, Vodafone Samoa, Vailima Breweries, and the Samoa Tourism Authority.
In her address, Mulipola said the event shows Samoa’s ability to host international sporting competitions and reflects the Government’s focus on sport as part of national development.
She referred to the creation of the standalone Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Sports Development Fund as part of the Government’s work to support grassroots participation, athlete pathways, coaching, officiating, and sporting infrastructure.
The Acting Prime Minister said sport supports youth development, health and wellbeing, community connection, economic opportunities, and tourism.
She also addressed the athletes and coaches directly, saying they were at the centre of the competition after months of training, sacrifice, and travel.
“Compete with honour. Compete with integrity. And above all, compete with respect for one another,” she said.
The Acting Prime Minister thanked organisers, technical officials, volunteers, sponsors, and all stakeholders involved in preparing the event.
The Samoa IBFC Universal Weightlifting Cup 2026 was officially declared open with Mohammed Hasan Jalood and Tuaopepe Asiata Jerry Wallwork joining the Acting Prime Minister for the opening declaration.
