Tributes flow for Val
Tributes from across south Auckland have been pouring in for one of the community’s favourite daughters, Valerie Adams.
Adams claimed a silver medal at the Rio Olympics on August 13 (NZ time) after American Michelle Carter pulled out a miracle last ditch throw to snatch the gold.
The 31-year-old has alluded to the fact that this will be her last Olympics and as good friend and biographer, Phil Gifford can attest, south Auckland still holds a special place in her heart.
‘‘When Valerie and Gabriel
[her husband] return to Auckland late in September, the first thing they will do, as Valerie always does when she flies home, is to visit her mother Lilika’s grave at the Manukau Memorial Gardens,’’ Gifford wrote in the Sunday Star Times.
Adams first took up shot put at Southern Cross Campus in Mangere and its Principal Robin Staples says pupils are still enthralled by her.
‘‘We see her from time to time and all our students are very proud of her achievements,’’ he says. ‘‘Her determination, graciousness and sportspersonship are an inspiration for all.’’
Mangere electorate Member of Parliament Su’a William Sio says Adams is a great role model to the youth of the region.
‘‘We love the fact that she always gives back to the community because she visits our local schools regularly. She cares about the young people and her Pacific heritage.’’
Valerie herself has stated via Facebook that whatever her future involves, she will continue to aim to help young people.
‘‘I hope that throughout my journey, I inspire our young girls in New Zealand. . . to be the best they can be and embrace their bodies wholeheartedly because you all are beautiful.’’
Go to page 6 to read tributes to Valerie Adams.
Nick Bakulich (Labour), Sharon Bragg, Peter Cann, Carrol Elliott (Labour), John Kiria (Auckland Future), Makalita Kolo (Labour), Tafafunai Tasi Lauese (Labour), Suamalie Iosefa Naisali (Auckland Future), Christine Frances O’Brien (Labour), Teleiai Edwin Puni (Auckland Future), Daniel Purcell-Lokeni (Auckland Future), Lydia Sosene (Labour), Matafeo Apu Tau, Maiavatele Ulufafo Tauai (Auckland Future), Faalavaau Helen Tau’au-Filisi, Tofilau Esther Tofilau-Tevaga (Auckland Future), Walter Togiamua (Labour), Asenita Letele Tuiafitu Tiseli (Auckland Future), Joe Wilson.
Board (seven members): Manurewa Local Board (eight members):
Joseph Allan (Manurewa Action Team), Michael James Bailey, Simeon Brown (Manurewa Action Team)
See P3 for more.