A MOMENT TO SHINE

​As the countdown to the official opening of the 16thPacific Games in Apia continues, there is a patriotic feeling amongst our people and the region as a whole.
 
Amongst them is 18 year Feagaiga Stowers, an athlete in weightlifting who will be Samoa’s Flag Bearer for Team Samoa during the opening ceremony on Sunday.  The resident of the Campus of Hope has come a long way.
 
Despite a successful career; winning Gold Medal during the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, and Gold at the recent World Weightlifting Championship in Fiji, the young star is looking at the Pacific Games with a different mentality.  She will be lifting in front of her people, and to her, this carries a lot of weight.
 
But Feagaiga has a strong cheering squad: The US Ambassador Scott Brown, who upon visiting the SVSG office to present donations for the children of hope, has a message for Feagaiga, “This your moment to shine, enjoy it as we will be cheering you on.”
 
The National Coordinator of the International Labour Organisation in Samoa, Tomasi Peni said that “She’s been so amazing with her journey. I have been working along with this amazing youth in several of our programmes and her story is inspirational.”
 
And as a donor partner for Samoa Victim Support Group’s child protection work, UNICEF Pacific should be proud of the successful rehabilitation programs for the children at the Campus of Hope, because therein lies the breeding ground for Feagaiga’s talent.
 
“Enjoy every moment of the Pacific Games Feagaiga, as you have a strong cheering squad behind you all the way.”  Silliniu Lina Chang, SVSG President