The grand inauguration event was attended by ONOC President Dr Robin Mitchell, Secretary-General Ricardo Blas, and Executive Director Inoke Bainimarama, in the presence of International Weightlifting Federation officials including President of the Federation Dr Mohammed Jalood.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said Samoa is honoured by the highest re-presentation from around the world to witness this milestone event. “The role of the Government is to develop sports especially the culminating today of the launch of the Weightlifting Institute and Academy,” she said.

“I see so many faces who had been working at sports, committing time to build weightlifting in the Oceania, and I have witnessed the growth of sports and dedication to sports which brings together international bodies to assist the region,” she added.

Samoa’s commitment to the development of all sports is evident in the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Sports with its own Minister.

Strategic Development and Regional Impact

This state-of-the-art facility is set to redefine the region’s weightlifting landscape, positioning Samoa as a central hub for training, development, and competition. Key impacts include:

• Oceania-based weightlifting institute is one of only five continental centers worldwide.
• Regional hub status for international weightlifting development.
• New pathways for technical officials with specialized training programs.
• Infrastructure capable of hosting international tournaments and training camps.

International Collaboration and Multi-Stakeholder Partnership

The establishment of the Oceania Institute and Academy for Weightlifting is a testament to the collaborative efforts of several stakeholders, including the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), the Samoa Government, the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation, and the Samoa Weightlifting Federation and the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC).

‍Attracting Global Attention

Already drawing international interest, the institute is set to host athletes from Uganda and Canada as they prepare for the Olympic Games. This aligns with ONOC’s vision of supporting and strengthening High Performance programmes across the Pacific region.

A Proud Legacy of Pacific Weightlifting Success

The new facility builds on the rich history of Pacific weightlifting, highlighted by Ele Opeloge's 2008 Olympic silver medal for Samoa and consistent medal performances at the Commonwealth Games. This achievement follows years of regional development under the leadership of Paul Coffa and Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork.

Looking ahead, the Oceania Weightlifting Institute is set to increase medal potential for Pacific athletes at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and beyond. The Institute further solidifies Samoa’s commitment to fostering sports excellence, backed by its Ministry of Sports, and positions the Pacific region as a key player in the global weightlifting arena.