A petition to King Tupou VI signed by 11,366 signatories was presented by TASANOC on Thursday, June 15 in Nuku’alofa seeking the reversal of the Government of Tonga’s decision to cancel the country’s hosting of the Pacific Games 2019.

Lord Vaea, the Acting President for the Tonga Amateur Sports Association (TASA), presented the petition to Suka ‘Otukolo Senior Assistant Secretary, at the Palace Office.

Accompanied by Lord Sevele, the CEO of the Pacific Games Organizing Committee Chairman, petitioners walked down to the Palace Office. They included around 30 people including athletes, sports supporters and former national sportsmen including Fakahau Valu, Poutele Tu’ihalamaka, Soakai Loumoli, Soakai Motu'apuaka and Pita Kengike.

The petition statement sought the King’s assistance to reverse Cabinet’s decision which cancelled the Government of Tonga’s support for the country to host the Games.

It listed many reasons including that they believe this is a golden opportunity that will provide benefits to the people and the country, if Tonga hosts the Games under a vision that they are building for 2019 games and beyond.

The petition, which was reported to have been signed by athletes, students, youth and Tongans locally and abroad, also stated the consequence of Tonga losing any chance to host the Pacific Games and breaching of the hosting contract, among others.

The Palace Office confirmed that the petition has been handed over the Lord Chamberlain’s office today.