By Tupou Vaipulu Jr
The Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) is hosting a training workshop this week to develop safe practices to protect athletes and ensure an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for sports in Tonga.
The three-day Safeguarding Workshop led by expert Roshika Deo, held from 18-20 September at the TASANOC headquarters in Haveluloto.
It is educating TASANOC staff and representatives from the 15 national sport federations and the Paralympic Committee on key safeguarding principles in sports. These principles include child protection, prevention of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse (PSHEA), and safeguarding policy implementation.
Over the three days, participants are working on a draft of TASANOC's safeguarding policy, and considering the unique needs of the Tongan and Pacific sports landscape.
Julie Tauataina and Malialosa Falevai from the Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) will share a “wealth of expertise” in safeguarding practices. They are offering participants the opportunity to understand and address child protection issues and also see through the lens of their experience working with survivors of violence and abuse.
The workshop was possible with additional support from the Oceania Impact Network, Team Up, and other partners including UN Women, ONOC Equity Commission and the International Olympic Committee.
Participants:
- Felicity George, NRL in Tonga
- Lupe Fe'ao, NRL in Tonga
- Amalani Tuakai, Tonga Volleyball Association
- Esela Mo'unga, Tonga Archery Association
- Siaosi Vaka, Tonga Table Tennis Federation
- Malialosa Falevai, Women Children Crisis Centre
- Samantha Cocker, National Outrigger Canoe Club
- Julie Tauataina, Women Children Crisis Centre
- Mele Manumu'a, Australian Football League Tonga
- Siosifa Pomana, Tonga National Paralympic Committee
- Loata Finau, TASANOC
- Tasinito Hausia, Tonga Tennis Federation
- Taumata Voukimounga, Tonga Hockey Federation
- Sious Kaufusi, Tonga Hockey Federation
- Enona Latu, Tonga Handball Association
- Elioti Taufa, Tonga Lawnbowls Association
- Kilisitina Uhi, Tonga Swimming and Aquatics
- Siutaisa Toviuooua, Tonga Swimming and Aquatics
- Ioana Sugar, Tonga Rowing
- Paula Havea, Tonga Athletics
- Uinita Tauhalaliku, Tonga Netball Association
- Fa'alongo Tovo, Tonga Taekwondo Association
- Hiko Fungavaka, Tonga Hockey Federation
- Sulieti Manala, Australian Football League Tonga
- Vaisioa To’oa, TASANOC
- Viliami Mafi, TASANOC
- Mele Havili, TASANOC
- Suliasi Aholelei, TASANOC
- Lesila Lokotuu, WCCC
- Falemaama Tei, WCCC
- Yasmin ‘Aho, Tonga Judo Federation
The Tonga National Olympic Committee which is registered as the Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) was recognised by IOC in 1984.
