Sports Minister Magele Mauiliu visits the weightlifter's camp at lunch time

By Alan Ah Mu

APIA:25 May 2012:  Just as they started to dig into lunch at their camp yesterday the national weightlifters got a surprise visit.

The Minister of Sports, Magele Mauiliu turned up to say hi.

Magele said he read in the newspaper that preparations for the Commonwealth and Oceania champs were going well.

In his wish to show support he brought with him foodstuffs which be the team’s breakfast for the week.

After a brief chat with team manager Poalaga Opeloge Opeloge and assistant manager Ola Salimu Lui, the minister, not known for being overly-verbal, left.

“I would like to thank the minister very much for his show of support,” President of Samoa Weightlifting Federation, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork said.

“It’s a great boost to management and the team to know the Minister of Sports is 110 percent behind us as we prepare for such a tough and important tournament,” Tuaopepe  said.

“This is not the first time he has visited the team’s camp.

“It shows his keen support of our lifters.”