Swimmers from the Malolo Swim Club have won a total of 48 medals; 14 Gold, 10 Silver, and 14 Bronze, the highest amount to date at the Fiji LC Age Group National Swimming Championships in Suva, May 4 – 6.

Coach, Vila Day, said it was even more pleasing that the swimmers set new Personal Best times, which reflected their skills development, and the result in the pool is a great achievement considering the swimmers train primarily in the ocean without proper facilities.

“Malolo Swim Club has been fortunate to secure some support from Scenic Hotel, which allows them some training time in the hotel pool.

“In spite of having no starting blocks and lanes, it has been wonderful to have some pool time courtesy of Scenic Hotel,” Vila said.

The other challenge is raising funds to help swimmers compete overseas. To participate in the championships, the club secured funding from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Digicel Tonga, $4,000 and $2,000 respectively, contributing towards the airfares for the swimmers.

However, Vila said the remainder of the trip was self-funded by each swimmer and team officials.

“We hope that the excellent results of our swimmers will help encourage further financial support from the Tonga Government, as it is very difficult to train without proper facilities and also have to spend time constantly fundraising just to be able to compete.”

Despite the challenges, the swimmers are making great progress in Tonga. Three members of the club, Andrew Lapuka, Finau ‘Ohuafi, and Noelani Day, were selected to represent Tonga at the Oceania Swimming Championships in Papua New Guinea on 25 – 30 June.

The rest of the squad will continue to train for another competition in Fiji held in September.

Malolo Swim Team

1. Andrew Lapuka, (21)
2. Finau Ohuafi, (17)
3. Noelani Day, (15)
4. Alex Sugar, (15)
5. Siutaka Fatongia, (13)
6. Kapeli Siua, (13)
7. Alan Uhi, (12)
8. Keli Langi, (12)
9. Saia Day, (12)
10. 'Ofa Fa, (11)
11. Vaoahi Afu, (9)
12. Etiliana Fa, (9)
13. Andrew Langi, (9)
14. Angelina Uhi, (8)
15. Thomas Langi, (8).

Coach: Vila Day
Team Manager: Tina Uhi