A parade to celebrate Tongan medalists who completed in the 2015 Pacific Games and 2015 Special Olympics in July was held this afternoon 2 September, in Nuku’alofa.

Tonga won 17 medals in the Pacific Games held in Papua New Guinea, including seven golds, one silver and nine bronze medals after competing in 18 sports including athletics, swimming, cricket, boxing, soccer, golf, rugby, triathlon, weightlifting, body building and netball.

The athletes were led by gold medal swimmer 'Amini Fonua and bronze medal winners in cricket, captain 'Aisake Haukinima and vice-captain Soloni Helu, among others.

At the same time, star sprinter Tomasi Ma’asi who won a gold medal in the 100m sprint and bronze in 200m at the Special Olympics in Los Angeles led his fellow medal winners.

They include Tutaleva Fehoko who won silver in 50m, Tevita Tilini a silver medalist in men’s mini javelin and Fane Helu, bronze medalist in women’s shot put.

The medalists were introduced in a special program held at Digi square attended by the Minister of Sports Hon Fe'ao Vakata and Chairman of Parliament's Whole House Committee Hon Semisi Sika.

Athletes for the Youth Commonwealth Games and Junior Rugby Under 14, 15 and Under 16 also joined in the parade.