Samoa's gold medalists at the recent Commonwealth games in India have been honored by their government with an official luncheon and big financial awards.
The gold medal winners, weightlifters Faavae Faauliuli, and sister and brother Ele and Niu Sila Opeloge each got just over 21 thousand US dollars with their coach, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, being given nearly 13 thousand US dollars.
The prime minister, Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi, thanked the medalists, who were the first to win Commonwealth gold for Samoa.
The Manu Samoa sevens rugby team, which came fifth at the Games, also attended the function and were told by the prime minister they would not be forgiven unless they retained their IRB sevens title next year.