The Powerlifting fraternity in Samoa is in a state of mourning.
It follows the sad passing away of the President of the Samoa Powerlifting Federation, Aitken Fruean.
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He died on Thursday in Apia. He was 53.
A family member said Mr. Fruean’s death came as a shock as he was well and was preparing for a trip overseas with the national powerlifting team.
Two years ago, Mr. Fruean was nominated as a Person of the Year for the Samoa Observer by his lifters and colleagues for his work behind the scenes. They said Mr. Fruean had often paid from his own pocket for many things to help his athletes win.
And with the Federation’s goal to develop and promote the sport of power lifting and to foster an enjoyable and drug-free experience for the power athletes of Samoa, Mr. Fruean was a man who led by example.
“I am humbled by those comments and am not sure if I am deserving of such high praise,” Mr. Fruean told the Samoa Observer.
“I believe Samoans are well suited to strength sports such as powerlifting and therefore believe that we as sport administrators/ coaches and managers need to provide the best environment for our lifters to excel and to pursue their dreams.”
Married to wife Francine, they have one son, Aitken John, better known as Trey.
Away from sports, Mr. Fruean is an IT Consultant with Fruean Consult.
Mr. Fruean’s family service is scheduled for tonight, before his burial this week.
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