Awards encourage Tonga's student athletes [1]
Friday, October 7, 2005 - 14:00. Updated on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 - 13:15.
Four outstanding female athletes from high schools in Tongatapu were awarded $100 pa'anga each by Hon. Fanetupouvava'u Tuita at the Prime Minister's Office conference room on October 4.
The athletes Melesia Mafile'o ( Open grade) Tonga High School; Patiola Pahulu (Senior) Tailulu College; Sela Va'enuku (Intermediate) Liahona High School; Penateti Feke (Junior) Tonga High School were recognised by the Tonga Women in Sport Commission (TWISC), following their outstanding performance at the inter-college annual sports competition in April.
Adelaide Tu'ivailala, the liaison officer for TWISC said that her organisation was established in 2002 with the objective of encouraging more women to get involved in sports. TWISC affiliated with the Oceania Sport Commission, which annually marks the International Women's Day on April 9, the day that the Tongatapu Inter-college sports competition ended.
The vice president of TWISC, Mrs Robin Tu'ivakano, said that the cash prizes were to mark the great achievements by the athletes, and to promote the participation and the involvement of women in sport in Tonga for a better quality of life.
"The participation of women in all areas of sport worldwide is gradually increasing and TWISC would like to promote opportunities for women in Sport not only on the fields but in administrative areas too," said Robin.
TWISC will annually mark Oceania Women in Sports Day with a presentation of awards to encourage the participation of women in all levels of sports in Tonga.