A sporting pioneer and icon was laid to rest on Friday as family friends farewelled the late Seiuli Paul James Wallwork at the Seventh Day Adventist church in Lalovaea.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa highlighted the vitality of Seiuli Paul James Wallwork’s role in the nation and his lifetime dedication to sports development, education and the government.

"Seiuli was a pioneer and the driving force of success in sports and his contribution to the greater good of this nation. He has the Government's utmost respect and appreciation for the honour of taking pride in his country" stated Fiame.

She also stated that Seiuli was an aspirational and brave leader who desired the best for Samoa in all the good works of his kind heart.

Weightlifting guru Paul Coffa explained his journey with Seiuli as one he will never forget, stating that Seiuli's greatest achievement of all was creating a beautiful family with Su'a Julie Wallwork.

Tuaopepe Asiata Jerry Wallwork, the eldest of Seiuli's children in his eulogy acknowledged the immense love. He said his father was his hero who had touched many lives.

"He followed us everywhere, even his grandchildren, inspiring and making sure we are loved and cared for. Our father constantly encouraged me and my sisters to never give up and to keep fighting the good fight" he said.

Su'a Hellene Wallwork, the current Attorney General of Samoa and the daughter of the late Seiuli, said it had been an honour and a priviledge to be the daughter of someone who was cherished by many.

"He was the most amazing dad anyone could have ever asked for, he was always embracing us and reminding us that we were the best thing that had ever happened to him,” she said.

Holding back tears Su'a Hellene Wallwork said they had no other choice but to believe in themselves since their father kept encouraging them to do so.

Fiame presented the Wallwork family with a flag at his final resting home in Sinamoga.

Seiuli showed uncompromising loyalty to his Samoan heritage throughout his illustrious career, most notably by turning down an invitation to represent Australia at the 1972 Summer Olympics.

Seiuli's influence went beyond his athletic accomplishments to encompass several leadership positions. He was the president of Rugby League Samoa, the South Pacific Games Council, and the Oceania Weightlifting Federation.

Along with his wife Su'a Julia Wallwork, Seiuli had a lasting impact on community service initiatives outside of the athletics world. Numerous lives were profoundly impacted by their commitment to improving communities via active participation.

Seiuli's distinguished career began as an academic teacher and principal at Avele College.

Before the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture's merger with the Ministry of Education, he rose to the position of head of the latter due to his dedication to youth development and education.