Samoa's first Olympic medallist, Ele Opeloge, has finally been presented with her silver medal from the Olympics' weightlifting competition held in Beijing nine years ago.
Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi, Minister of Sports and Culture Loau Keneti Sio and Ele Opeloge Photo: Tipi Autagavaia
She was awarded the medal after the silver and bronze winners in her event were disqualified for using drugs.
The presentation ceremony was held in front of the government complex this morning.
Ele Opeloge was also presented with a gift of over $US15,000, raised through a special fund set up by the Samoa Observer newspaper.
The government made no financial contribution.
The Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio, said the government was now reviewing its policy, which currently rewarded only gold medallists at the Pacific, Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
Ele Opeloge thanked everyone who donated money to the newspaper fund but admonished the government for under-estimating her achievement.
Samoa Observer editor Mata'afa Keni Lesa, presenting the $US15,000 to Ele Opeloge Photo: Tipi Autagavaia