Parade ends Inter-College Athletics competition for 2014 [1]
Wednesday, April 23, 2014 - 19:45. Updated on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 - 22:36.
Three days of Inter-College Athletics attracted hundreds of competitors from Vava'u, Ha'apai and Tongatapu ended with a parade at Teufaiva on Thursday 17 April.
Athletes marched in their school colours for the closing ceremony of the Inter-College Athletics Competition 2014, and the presentation of medals by Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala.
A total of 19 secondary and intermediate schools took part, setting some new records, and presenting some new rising stars.
The best womens athletes for 2014 were:
Midget Girls, Fatima Fahiua, 'Apifo'ou College AFC, and 'Ainise Sevele, Queen Salote College QSC. (2 Golds and 1 Bronze).
Junior Girls, Leila Tu'ipulotu, Liahona High School, (two Golds and one Silver).
Intermediate Girls, Taina Halasima AFC, (three Gold Medals).
Senior Girls, 'Ofa La'akulu Queen Salote College, (four Gold Medals). 'Ofa set a new record in the 400m Hurdles in 1:02.40s. The old record was 1:03.05.
Open Girls, Mafi Mapa, Tupou High School, five Gold Medals and she also set a new record in the 1500m run of 5:34.71. The old record was 5:34.83.
National Women, Lata Lelenga, Tailulu Club, 4 Gold Medals.
The best mens athletes for 2014 were:
Midget Boys, Kalakaua Faiva'ilo, Tonga College 'Atele, two Gold Medals.
Junior Boys, Tevita Finau, Tonga College 'Atele, five Gold Medals.
Intermediate Boys, Li'ekina Kaufusi, Tonga College 'Atele, three Gold Medals.
Senior Boys, Peauope Fifita, Tonga College 'Atele, four Gold Medals.
Open Boys, Siueni Filimone, Tupou College, three Gold Medals.
National Men, Heamatangi Tu'ivai, Mo'unga'olive Club, (three Gold Medals). Heamatangi set a new record in the 400m run with a time of 49.58s. The old time was 51.33s.
Schools participating in this year's competition included 'Apifo'ou College, Tupou College, Tonga College, Tupou High School, Tonga High School, Liahona High School, Lavengamalie College, Tailulu College, Queen Salote College and the Maamaloa Side School.
A spokesperson for the committee that organized Inter-College sports competitions, said it was the third year in a row for sport clubs from outsides of schools to compete. He said that it was an initiative of the Tonga Amateur Sports Association to streamline talented young athletes to represent the country in international sports competition.
Sports clubs taking part included the Island Future Stars Club, Tupou College Old Boys, Sia-Ko-Mo'ui'aonga Club, Mo'unga'olive Club, the Lavengamalie Club and the Tailulu Club.