It is with extreme sadness that the Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic
Committee (SASNOC) announces the passing of boxing coach Mr Lionel Fatu Elika.
Elika passed away this morning, local Paris time, in the Games Village.
“Lionel was one of Samoa’s top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic
ideal,” said Samoa NOC President Mr Pauga Talalelei Pauga.
“Our thoughts and those of the entire Samoan sporting community are with Lionel’s
family, his boxers, and friends. He will be greatly missed,” President Pauga said.
President Pauga and Secretary General Ms Maureen Tuimalealiifano met with the
Samoa delegation this afternoon for a briefing and team prayer to reassure them ahead
of the Opening Ceremony today and competitions over the next two weeks.
The Samoan NOC will not issue any further statements and requests that the privacy
of Lionel’s family and the athletes are respected during this difficult time.