News

Weightlifting Fiji (WF) is now under new leadership after their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on
Sunday 31 May 2020.

Ms Della Shaw-Elder

Della Shaw-Elder takes on the mantle of President of WF after sitting President, Mr Atma Maharaj
signalled his intention to retire from the role.

Mr Maharaj had been the President of WF since 2008 – 2013 and again from 2014 – 2020 decided to step down after a long and successful leadership role. Stepping down with him also is Treasurer Sikeli
Tuinamuana and Vice President Christopher D K Yee.

The trio, having taken up various roles within WF had a successful run, re-igniting the sport and going
on to win 55 National and International Awards since 2008 including various medals in International Competitions along with our athletes setting World, Commonwealth and Oceania Records.

Atma said it was anticipated that they would step down at the AGM in 2020 after delivering the
hosting the 2019 IWF Junior World Championships in Suva.

“The success of the IWF JWC was paramount with the Championships being the pinnacle of WF’s achievements to date,” said Atma Maharaj.

Atma, Sikeli and Christopher leave with fond memories of delivering two Oceania Championships, a
resounding and unparalleled success with the 2019 IWF Junior World Championships along with many other major milestones.

Atma Maharaj and Dr Robin Mitchell

Della is not a stranger to top leadership positions. She has been a gold medal-winning weightlifter for Fiji, and the Pacific’s only IWF Female Category 1 Technical Official. She is also the only female executive on the Executive Board of the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation and has been the President of Suva Weightlifting Club for several years. Della has served as the Vice President of WF in previous years and until her appointment, was the General Secretary of WF in 2019.

The election of Ms Shaw-Elder is significant, as this is the second time a woman has held the President’s position. In addition, 60% of WF Fiji’s Board is female, signalling a strong continuing commitment to growing gender equality and female participation within the sport.

The AGM was attended by delegates from Suva, Dogowale, Makosoi, Levuka and Kadavu Weightlifting Clubs.

The new Fiji WF Executive Committee is as follows:

President – Della Shaw-Elder
Vice President – Abigail Erikson
Vice President – Eremasi Qalibau
Secretary-General – Josaia Tuinamata
Assistant Secretary – Mela Druwani
Treasurer – Sera Vakaloloma
Board Member – Henry Nagatalevu Suguta Elder
Board Member – Andie Fong Toy
Board Member – David Oliver
Athlete’s Rep – Helen Anastasia Seipua