Community Recognition Statement

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields): — The countdown is on to the Tokyo Olympics.

The excitement is building for two young men from my electorate who will represent Samoa in the boxing ring.

I met 22-year-old Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali of Macquarie Fields and 21-year-old Marion Faustino of Ingleburn at the South West Multicultural and Community Centre in Minto.

Both men display determination and passion for the sport.

Through hard work, a gruelling training regime and a supportive community, Ato and Marion have achieved the ultimate sporting dream.

Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali's accomplishments include winning gold at the 2019 Pacific Games; silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the Youth Commonwealth Games.

Marion Faustino was the 2020 New Zealand Welterweight National Champion and the Samoan Welterweight National Champion. In 2019, Marion won gold at the Pacific Games.

When Marion enters the boxing ring in Tokyo, he will do so in honour of his father who sadly passed away last year. Sharing this special tribute will be his mother and 11 siblings.

I wish Ato and Marion all the best for the Tokyo Olympics.

I'm sure they will do Samoa and our local community proud.