Samoa is currently undertaking intensive preparations to host the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup and is looking for funds to ensure a successful event.

$2 million is needed to host the IWF World CUP 2026, which will take place at Tuanaimato Sports Complex, Gym 1, from 23 April to 2 May. About 800 athletes and coaches, from 75 countries, will be coming to Samoa.

Tuaopepe Asiata Jerry Wallwork, President of the Samoa Weightlifting Federation, said the government was supporting them.

“We also have sponsors such as SIFA, IBFC, NBS, and, of course, PacificAus Sports. We’re very happy with this support,” said the president.

Tuaopepe also said that the President of the International Weightlifting Federation and the President of ONOC (Oceania National Olympic Committees) will also be attending this special event.

Tuaopepe said that the total cost of the event is about $2 million. So far, the government has provided $800,000. They have asked SIFA to be the naming sponsor for another $800,000. They are also seeking additional support from PacificAus Sports for another 100,000 tala. Furthermore, NBS has already contributed $50,000, and Vodafone will also contribute.

“We are still short in funds to reach the total of $2 million. We need this funding because the current equipment is old and no longer certified. The new certified equipment, required for competition and training, costs almost $600,000. It has already been ordered from China and is certified for the Olympic Games; we are using it for the World Cup,” he said.

“It’s a World Cup, the pinnacle, the highest level. This is a major international event, with participants from Russia, China, North Korea, South America, Europe, Africa, and others.”

The IWF World Cup Event 2026 will have 16 divisions for men and women, eight for men and eight for women.

“Preparations are going well. Everything is on track,” said Tuaopepe.

“Everyone is recovering well, training hard, eating well, sleeping well, and repeating the cycle.”

Samoa’s national team held a training camp today, alongside national teams of Fiji, Australia, and the Marshall Islands.  

Tuaopepe said that many other teams are coming, including New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Tonga, Nigeria, and England, to take part in this training camp.