A Tokyo 2020 Olympian in Judo and currently training for Paris 2024, Percival is also a participant in the global IOC Young Leaders Programme. He is leading a transformative project in Samoa that blends martial arts with wellness education to address some of the most pressing social challenges faced by young people in his country.

“Martial arts taught me respect, control, and resilience,” said Percival at the Summit. “Now I want to bring those values to young people in Samoa, especially in rural areas – where violence and poor health outcomes are often interconnected.”

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His initiative integrates Judo and Jiu-Jitsu with education on health, nutrition, emotional regulation, and self-discipline. In communities where bullying and intergenerational trauma are still prevalent, Percival’s project provides a culturally grounded and physically engaging pathway toward healing and positive behavior change.

Percival’s participation at the Olympism365 Summit reflects the growing impact of youth-led initiatives in the Pacific. His work reinforces the Olympic values of solidarity, respect, and inclusion – demonstrating how sport can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and social transformation.

ONOC Equity Commission Chair Liz Dawson praised his leadership, stating, “Peniamina represents the future of sport in Oceania – a young leader using his Olympic journey to drive real, community-led change.”

Through his example, Peniamina Percival is showing the world that the power of sport goes far beyond competition – it can shape lives, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation of changemakers.