A $18,000 pa'anga sponsorship has been given to Tonga’s Special Olympic Team by Digicel Tonga last Thursday, 14 February.

The award is a boost for the team ahead of the Special Olympics World Games held in Abu Dhabi next month.

Four athletes (and four officials) will represent Tonga, joining over 7,000 athletes from more than 170 countries at the world games held on 14-21 March.

Digicel Tonga CEO Francis Thomsen said the partnership with Special Olympics is an ongoing one “which stretches back years” across the Pacific including Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and Nauru.

“It is a privilege for us to see first-hand the hard work, dedication, determination and the qualities which make these athletes inspirational role models and ambassadors for the country.”

He added that the “Special Olympics is very dear to our Founder and Chairman, Mr Denis O’Brien’s heart and we are extremely excited for the opportunity to partner with Team Tonga in their quest for medals in Abu Dhabi”.

Special Olympics Tonga representative, Vanessa Heleta was appreciative of Digicel Tonga’s support for the team to the World Games in Abu Dhabi.

“This year Team Tonga will compete in athletics - 100 meters and the Shot Put.” 

The team will depart to Abu Dhabi in the first week of March.