Two-time Tongan Olympian Pita Taufatofua has become the first UNICEF Pacific Ambassador, officiated in a ceremony at Tonga Side School, his old primary school in Nuku'alofa today.

Pita and UNICEF Pacific Representative Sheldon Yett signed the contract watched by excited students and teachers who were delighted to see Pita in person.

He encouraged the young students to always follow their dreams and achieve their goals, while reminiscing about being back in the same place, where he played rugby as a child with schoolmates.

“Life is full of challenges but this is never the time to quit, this is the time to keep going to reach your potential, no matter what your dream may be.”

He committed to use his new role as UNICEF Pacific Ambassador to promote the rights of all children in the Pacific, including Tonga to ensure all children have access to their rights and the best start to life possible.

One of his former teachers Acting Principal ‘Olivieta Tangulu was in tears recalling fond memories and how proud they are of his achievements.

Pita who attended Tonga Side School as a child, has now gained widespread fame as an Olympian representing Tonga in both the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

In addition, he holds an engineering degree while working as an actor.

Pita aims to qualify for a new sport for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, which he intended to announce soon.

Meanwhile, Mr Yett said it’s an absolute honour to have him as the UNICEF Pacific Ambassador.

"He is not just a world-class athlete but he is also an engineer. His presence here and his success first in the classroom and later on the Olympic field is evidence of what other young people can achieve with the right commitment, knowledge and passion."

The young students danced and sang for him, played a game and, of course, took lots of selfies.

Pita exposed Tonga on the worldwide stage when he walked out shirtless covered in coconut oil as flagbearer in two Olympics.