Thousands of cheering students from secondary and middle schools from throughout Tonga gathered at the Teufaiva Outdoor Stadium today, April 25 for the start of the four-days 93rd Inter-Collegiate Athletics Competition 2017, on a hot bright sunny day.

It started with a colourful march past led by the Combined College Brass Band featuring the various sports teams from more than 10 schools.

Day one started with the 200m preliminary rounds for all grades, finals for the 3000m for senior girls, open girls/national women, inter-boys and 5000m for senior boys and open boys/national men.

The field events included the long jump, discus, javelin, shot put and pole vault finals in various grades.

The first set of medals were also given out watched by hundreds of happy spectators who filled the stadium quickly, cheering on the young athletes.

Participating from two of the outer islands were sports teams from Ha’apai and ‘Eua.

The guest of honour was Hon. Halaevalu Moheofo with the Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva also attending the half a day event, on the ANZAC holiday.