Wednesday 24th of June 2026 Latest Press Release

PRESS RELEASE: FIVE SAMOAN-AUSTRALIAN ATHLETES TO CONQUER 200KM ENDURANCE RUN AROUND UPOLU FOR SAMOA’S MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2026

APIA, SAMOA | 30 June – 4 July 2026

In an inspiring display of endurance, compassion, and commitment to giving back, five Samoan runners from Australia’s A1 Training Club will embark on a remarkable 200-kilometre journey around the entire coastline of Upolu to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) and the vulnerable children under its care.

Over five consecutive days, the runners will push themselves to their physical and mental limits, covering approximately 40 kilometres each day through villages, coastal roads, and communities across the island. More than just a test of endurance, this challenge is a powerful mission of hope for children who have experienced hardship, abuse, neglect, and vulnerability.

Every step taken and every kilometre completed represents a commitment to improving the lives of Samoa’s most vulnerable children.

SVSG is one of Samoa’s leading community organisations, providing protection, shelter, advocacy, and support services for children, women, and families affected by violence, abuse, and neglect. Funds raised through this initiative will directly support the organisation’s programmes, including the care of children living at the Campus of Hope and other critical support services.

The event has been made possible through the generous support and partnership of Kamikaze Energy, the major sponsor of the endurance run. Kamikaze has played a pivotal role in helping bring this initiative to life, providing support that has enabled the runners to undertake this ambitious journey and maximise its impact for the children and families supported by SVSG. The runners expressed their sincere gratitude to Kamikaze for believing in the cause and standing alongside them in their mission to raise awareness and funds for Samoa’s most vulnerable children.

“This challenge is about much more than running,” said Richie, Co-Founder of A1 Training Club.
“As Samoans living abroad, we wanted to give back to our homeland in a meaningful way. Every kilometre we run is dedicated to the children and families supported by SVSG. We hope our journey inspires others to join us in making a difference, whether through donations, encouragement, or simply helping spread awareness of this
important cause. This challenge would not have been possible without the support of Kamikaze. Their partnership has allowed us to focus on what matters most; raising awareness, inspiring our communities, and generating meaningful support for SVSG and the children in their care.”

Months of preparation have gone into the challenge, with runners training extensively to prepare for the demanding conditions they will face, including tropical heat, fatigue, changing weather conditions, and the cumulative strain of running 200 kilometres in just five days. SVSG President, Muliagatele Siliniu Lina Chang, welcomed the initiative and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the runners’ commitment. “We are deeply honoured that these young Samoans have chosen to dedicate their time, energy, and strength to support the vulnerable children in our care. Their effort sends a powerful message that every child deserves hope, protection, and a brighter future.” Members of the public are encouraged to come out and support the runners along the route, cheer them on as they pass through their villages, and contribute to the fundraising campaign. Daily updates, photos, videos, and progress reports will be shared throughout the event via SVSG and A1 Training Club social media platforms.

A1 Training Club and SVSG extend their sincere appreciation to Kamikaze for their invaluable partnership and commitment to supporting this initiative. Their contribution demonstrates the powerful impact that community-minded organisations can have when they come together to support vulnerable children and families.
Together, Samoa and the Samoan diaspora can turn every kilometre into hope for a child in need.

EVENT DETAILS
Event: Endurance Run Around Upolu for SVSG
Distance: 200 Kilometres
Duration: 5 Days
Dates: 30 June – 4 July 2026
Participants: Five Samoan runners from A1 Training Club (Australia)
Major Sponsor: Kamikaze
Beneficiary: 100% of donations and proceeds will go directly to the Samoa Victim
Support Group (SVSG)

Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/195AAq1Vyn/

Online Donations:
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/runforsamoa-a1trainingclub

About Samoa Victim Support Group ( SVSG)

Visit Website →

Since 2005, Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) has been the main service provider for victims and survivors of violence, particularly for abused women and children, in Samoa. It uses a human rights-based approach to deliver its services of case management, court support, psychosocial support, residential care, and community engagement. SVSG is the only organisation in Samoa that provides shelter assistance for victims of all forms of abuse and neglect at its Campus of Hope. The VISION of SVSG is that the victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and other forms of violence are well-supported, safe and in control of restoring their lives. SVSG seeks to protect and promote the rights of women, children and other vulnerable populations, specifically the right to be free from abuse. It believes that greater awareness of human rights will provide civil society with the knowledge and tools to ensure these rights are upheld. SVSG’s Campus of Hope in Apia cares for around 100 women and children. These children range from new-born babies up to 18-year-old girls, children with disabilities, pregnant girls, abandoned children, and boys aged 12 years and under. Since 2005, SVSG has cared for around 150 pregnant girls, of which 85% were under the age of 15 years and victims of rape and/or incest. The Campus also delivers education and training. The School of Hope follows the curriculum of mainstream schooling. The Extension School Building provides activities like home economics and livelihood training workshops. This project is an extension activity.

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