By Eleanor Gee

Four athletes brought two gold and two silver medals back to Tonga from the 2019 Special Olympics World Games held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 14 -21 March.

Siaosi Palanite (18) won gold in the 100 metres run, Ane Tuiketei (38)  won gold in shot put, while Paula Tupou (15) and Manatu Paletua (24) each won silver in shot put events.

The athletes had a chance to show off their medals at a congratulatory dinner last night, 25 March, at Friends Café organized by their sponsors Digicel Tonga, and attended by the athlete’s parents, and officials from the Special Olympics Tonga Association, including Director Vanessa Heleta, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Tonga Red Cross, and Digicel Tonga.

Digicel CEO, Francis Thomsen, expressed his deep appreciation to the athletes for representing Tonga proudly.  “Special malo ‘aupito to the Olympians who achieved a huge milestone in the recent games.”

Ministry of Internal Affairs CEO, Dr Fotu Fisi’iahi, also congratulated the athletes for their achievements.

The athletes were accompanied by four officials to the games including HE Hon Fanetupouvava’u Tuivakano, Red Cross Secretary General Sione Taumoefolau, Fehoko Tuivai, and dental surgeon Dr Fusi Fifita.

The 2019 Special Olympics World Games is a multi-sport event for athletes with intellectual disabilities.