Team Samoa for the 2017 6th Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas received an inspirational send off from Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi this morning.
“Your selection to represent your country is a huge ask upon yourselves, “said the Prime Minister.
“You have proven worthy to represent our country but this is just the beginning. For those of you who are praying for divine intervention to win, praying alone for your miracle to accomplish your sports goal is not enough because the Almighty only helps those who help themselves to realize their dreams. And that’s through hard work and commitment.”
Compared to the Pacific Games with only 18 countries, the Commonwealth Youth Games brings together 54 countries.
And on that note, the Prime Minister reiterated to the young athletes the difference in terms of caliber of competition that they face in the Bahamas.
Samoa’s contingent of 20 athletes and 8 officials will compete in five disciplines from Rugby 7s, to Athletics, Boxing, Judo, and Swimming, according to a release from the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in Nassau from Jul 18, 2017 – Jul 23, 2017
Team Samoa includes;
Athletics
• Tapasu Jonathan Paea
• Julia Sanft
• Coach: Ah Chong Sam Chong
Boxing
• Seanoa Hall
• Marion Ah Tong
• Ato Plodzicki- Faoagali
• Coach: Tavui Mike Lemisio
Judo
• Tristan Vaai
• Coach: Fubuki Eguchi
Swimming
• Sitivi Sooaemalelagi
• Andrea Schuster
• Coach: Bill Sachovich
Rugby 7's Men
• Visesio Andrews
• Pio Paulo Fuiono
• Sione Young Yen
• Tuna Tuitama
• Vaisialaoa Telea
• Alapese Siaki
• Dave Puleiala
• Elia Tuumatavai
• Kalolo Faamanu Siaosi
• Kelvin Tuiala Masoe
• Vaesavali Tato
• Laavalemalii Leaupepe
• Coach: Rudy Leavasa
• Assistant Coach & Manager: Rev Onosai Soo Pua
• Physio: Michelle Pravic
Chef de Mission: Tagifano Dengue Soonalole
The international multi-sport event will see 94 medals contested across Athletics, Aquatics (Swimming), Beach Soccer, Boxing, Cycling (Road), Judo, Rugby Sevens, Tennis and (subject to final confirmation) Beach Volleyball.
It will be the first time Judo, Beach Soccer and Beach Volleyball have been presented at a Commonwealth Youth Games.
The Bahamas Games will be the second edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games to be held on a Small Island Developing State, following the hugely successful Samoa 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games.
Photos by PMPC
