Female weightlifters from Faleata College were the overall winners in the female division of the weightlifting competition and walked away with four gold medals.

Faleata College Principal Fiauivaa Apato Iosefa Pua credited the parents' support and the children's effort in their preparations which put them in good stead for the competition. 

"First of all, I want to thank god for he has blessed the students with these talents. Secondly, thanks to the parents' unending prayers and continued support towards the school's activities including sports," he said 

"I only approve the school's programs but the preparations through training were all done by the coach and the students with the help of the staff. Therefore, I really want to acknowledge their accomplishment. Nevertheless, Faleata College has to continue remaining humble in all they do."

Around 20 weightlifters from Faleata College including both males and females joined the inter-school competition. Faleata College girls topped their group with four medals in the women's division going to Marie Afele (73kg), Anoni Iamanu (55kg), Fili Luamata (59kg), and Seine Stower (73kg).

In the male division Faleata College boys came second place and got three gold medals and one silver. The gold medalists included Elama Tafi (61kg), Niusila Opeloge (73kg), Junior Poufitu (120kg), and one silver medal going to Sione Ulasasa (96kg). The best overall female weightlifter was Seine Stowers and the best in the junior's division was Fili Iemata. 

The Principal said that sports might distract children from focusing on their studies but he also understands that this is the strength of other students. 

"I believe that if the body is healthy, the mind is healthy. At first, I wanted to stop the Year 13, Year 12, and Year 10 levels from participating in the sports for it might affect their academic preparations for the national exams coming up," Mr. Pua said. "But I also know that it is also a vital part of their life to pave the way to a successful life in the future."

Mr. Pua told the Samoa Observer that he and his staff support the participation of their students in programs that promote their talent and help with their development. 

The coach of the college's weightlifting team, Tofilau Sefo Viliamu, said time management was a major issue for their preparation but they managed to pull it off. 

"Time management became the enemy as we were to put effort into this sport, but at the same time considering the students' studies," he said in an interview.

"Fortunately, the principal, the staff, and everyone contributed to drawing up possible solutions to make sure that classes are not affected, and here we are, the team managed to overcome it through God." 

Faleata College has made progress not only academically but in sports as well with the educational institution involved in weightlifting, rugby, and boxing. More than 40 teachers have been divided into various committees to make sure that every area of schooling considered effective for the students is available. 

Eight schools competed at Gym 3 in Tuanaimato in an initiative that was formulated by the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture (M.E.S.C.) to showcase the talents that the youth have.