Distinguished Guests, friends in Weightlifting and Sport.

I le agaga fa’aaloalo tele, ou te tula’i atu ai e fai ai a’u ma le sui o le Mālō Tūto’atasi o Samoa, e fa’atalofa atu ai i le pa’ia ma le mamalu o le aofia.

Talitonu o lea ua mae’a ona paepaeulufanua le pa’ia ma mamalu fa’asino o le fa’amoemoe, e le fofoga o le aso. Afifio maia ma tala mai a’ao.

Nu’unu’u atu ia i ona tai loloto, o oe o le i’a mai moana, o le i’a ua uma ona ‘āisa. Tulou, tulouna lava.

May I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Honourable Prime Minister and the Government of Samoa, to officially welcome you all to this very special and historic occasion.

I begin by acknowledging the Reverend Minister, and thank you for the uplifting opening prayer, and for placing this important event under the guidance and blessings of God Almighty.

Your Highness, the Head of State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, and your Good Lady, Fa’amausili Leinafo Tuimaleali’ifano, we are deeply honoured by your presence here this evening.

I respectfully acknowledge the Council of Deputies;

the Honourable Speaker of the Legislative Assembly;

Honourable Cabinet Ministers and Associate Ministers;

Esteemed Members of the Judiciary;

Chief Executive Officers of Government Ministries and Corporations;

and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Welcome and Talofa lava!

I extend a warm Samoan welcome to our distinguished international sporting leaders:

• The President of the International Weightlifting Federation, Mr Mohammed Hasan Jalood—your leadership and strategic support in ensuring this event is hosted here in Samoa is sincerely appreciated.

• The President of the Oceania and Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation, the Honourable Marcus Stephen, and may I also acknowledge you in your capacity as the Honourable Speaker of the House of the Government of Nauru—welcome back to Samoa.

• Representatives of the International Olympic Committee and the Oceania National Olympic Committee, including President Baklai Temengil and Secretary General Ricardo Blas.

I wish to acknowledge with deep appreciation Afioga Tuaopepe Asiata Jerry Wallwork—President of the Samoa Weightlifting Federation, President of SASNOC, and Executive Member of the International Weightlifting Federation. Your vision, commitment, and tireless leadership have been instrumental in bringing this prestigious international competition to Samoa.

I also acknowledge the Naming Rights Sponsor, the International Business Finance Centre (IBFC), the commercial and marketing arm of the Samoa International Finance Authority. Your continued investment in sport reflects strong confidence not only in this event, but in Samoa’s future as a host of world class sporting competitions.

To our Associate Sponsors—the National Bank of Samoa, Vodafone Samoa, Vailima Breweries, and the Samoa Tourism Authority—thank you for your continued partnership in advancing sport and supporting Samoa’s national development agenda.

I also acknowledge the leadership of our National Sports Federations present this evening. Your dedication strengthens our sporting ecosystem, builds resilient communities, and inspires our young people. Fa’afetai tele lava.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Tonight represents a historic milestone for Samoa.

The Samoa IBFC Universal Weightlifting Cup 2026 is not only a celebration of strength, discipline, and sporting excellence—it is a powerful demonstration of Samoa’s capability and readiness to host international sporting events of the highest standard.

This event also reflects the Government of Samoa’s clear and deliberate prioritisation of sport as a driver of national development. That commitment is most evident through the establishment of the standalone Ministry of Sports & Recreation, providing focused leadership and a strong policy foundation to advance sport at all levels.

In support of this institutional reform, the Government has also established the Sports Development Fund, ensuring sustainable investment in grassroots participation, athlete development pathways, coaching and officiating, and improved sporting infrastructure across the country.

Together, these initiatives recognise sport as a platform for youth empowerment, health and wellbeing, social cohesion, economic opportunity, and sports tourism—all of which are central to Samoa’s long term development aspirations.

This competition further strengthens Samoa’s growing reputation as a sports tourism destination in the Pacific, and highlights the role of international sport in fostering people to people connections and global partnerships.

Sport, by its very nature, transcends borders. It unites people, cultures, and nations, and reminds us of the values that bind us together—unity, resilience, respect, and mutual understanding—values that are deeply embedded in the Fa’aSamoa.

To our athletes and coaches, you are the heart of this event. You have trained with discipline, made sacrifices, and travelled great distances to be here. As you compete over the coming days, you carry not only your national pride, but also the spirit of unity and friendship that defines this competition.

Compete with honour.

Compete with integrity.

And above all, compete with respect for one another.

To the organisers, technical officials, volunteers, and all stakeholders, your professionalism and commitment behind the scenes have made this event possible. On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa, I acknowledge and sincerely thank you.

As we officially open this landmark event, let us celebrate not only sporting achievement, but also the strengthening of international partnerships through sport, the promotion of healthier lifestyles, and the empowerment of our young people.

From the Government and people of Samoa, I wish you every success for the competition ahead—may it be an event that delivers excellence on the platform and lasting memories beyond it.

Enjoy our islands. Enjoy our culture.

May God bless this event and keep all participants safe.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

(Official Declaration For when the ribbon is about to be cut)

It is now my great honour and privilege, together with Mohammed and Tuaopepe, to officially declare the Samoa IBFC Universal Weightlifting Cup 2026 OPEN