Photos by Linny Folau and Peter Poulsen.

Waving national flags in support of Tonga's Team at the Rio 2016 Olympics, Tongan supporters and sponsors organised a colourful float parade through central Nuku’alofa today, Tuesday 16 August - complete with dark, muscular men with oiled bodies.

Initiated by Tonga Power Ltd., Tonga Gas/Homegas Ltd. and Broadcom 87.5 FM, the event brought together local companies and sports associations.

Tongan Taekwondo competitor, Pita Taufatofua, is the only Tongan athlete at Rio 2016 who has yet to compete in his event, the +80kg Men's individual Taekwondo scheduled for Saturday August 20.

A spokesperson from Tonga Power Ltd. said today they will be giving Pita $10,000 pa’anga to support his stay and training at the Olympics, as he had asked for their support. Financial donations made by local companies and organisations and raised through radio programs will also be extended to other athletes at Rio. "This is local companies, assocations, community, tourism and all of us coming together in support of our Tongan sports talents," she said.

Today's float parade in Nuku'alofa attracted crowds of spectators. It was also supported by Tonga Telecommunications Corporation, Ministry of Tourism, Tonga Netball, Tongan bodybuilders and families of athletes at Rio.