Help support Samoa's Judoka - Will Tai Tin

Talofa lava (Hello)

 

This page has been created by Caroline (sister) and Astrid (bestie and fellow judo pal).

 

Unbeknownst to many, Samoa has been actively represented in Judo on the international circuit for the last 3 years, despite Covid. Although Will did not request this GoFund Me page, Astrid and I believe that it is only fair that as many people can know about Will's efforts to attend these meets, as a proud Samoan Judoka.

 

 

 

 

As you can see from the list below, Will has been busy. What you don't know is, Will funds 99% of these trips himself - this includes airfares, food, accommodation, training camps, and competition fees. Simply put, he is flying the Samoan flag high while needing to dig deep into his own pockets. His dedication to the sport is taxing not only on himself physically and financially but he sacrifices weeks and sometimes months away from his family in order to keep honouring the privilege he was bestowed to represent Samoa.

 

2019

Pacific Games, Samoa

World Championships Tokyo, Japan

Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, UAE

Osaka Grand Slam, Japan

 

2020

Paris Grand Slam, France

Oberwart Open, Hungary

Düsseldorf Grand Slam, Germany

Warsaw Open, Poland

 

2021

World Championships Budapest, Hungary

 

2022

Pan-American Oceania Championships, Peru

 

 

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2022 - Will is currently in Europe for training camps and tournaments, having spent 2 weeks in France and 2 weeks in Croatia. He is now in the UK for the final rounds of training in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

 

Although based in Melbourne, Australia but like most Samoans, his heart is tied to the land, oceans and people of his beloved Samoa. No doubt, one of his international highlights was the 2019 Pacific Games, where he finally got to meet the Judoka’s of Samoa, especially Samoa’s Judo veteran, Derek Su’a. Sharing the podium with his fellow teammates when they won bronze, further cemented his goals of taking Judo Samoa to the world, just as a select few had done before him.

 

 

 

He hopes to bring more awareness to the sport and the participation of Samoa in the sport, so that it can encourage the judoka’s of all ages in Samoa that it is possible to represent our little island on the world stage, in smaller sports.

 

He is passionate about contributing positively to the growth of Judo and it’s disciplines in Samoa, especially with young athletes. He would also like to continue advocating for the sport to be noticed and supported so that the local athletes have a chance at taking their talent to the world.

 

 

 

 

 

Your financial gift to Will can help make this dream a reality. If you know Will, he’s not one to ask for help, which is why we are asking for him. If you can shout him a coffee (he loves coffee) or pay for a meal, I know he will be so humbled, awkward and shy about it - but hey, the brother’s wallet needs a little break.

 

We express our gratitude (fa'afetai) on behalf of Will to

- Travis Lamb, President of Judo Association of Samoa (JAS) for trusting and supporting Will’s quest

- Sensei Nao, Coach at Taketani Judo Academy, Melbourne for providing world-class coaching and celebrating his wins

- his wife and kids, you guys are the real MVP

 

If you're unable to donate, we understand and we are thankful for your time in reading this story. Feel free to send Will a message of encouragement, as it can get very quiet and lonely on the international circuit.

 

Fa'afetai le lagolago (Thank you for the support)