Colours Fun Run raises awareness of Autism in Tonga [1]
Tuesday, July 16, 2019 - 12:24. Updated on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 - 14:15.
A 5 km “Colours Fun Run” to raise public awareness over the state of Autism in Tonga was held at the Nuku’alofa waterfront early Saturday morning, 13 July.
Hosted by the Tapuaki Mei Langi, Autism Foundation Inc. the event attracted about 150 runners, said Rose Fangupo. Runners were dusted with colourful dyes.
'Ilaivaha Tovehi said they staged this inaugural Fun Run, after they became aware of an increasing number of people, mostly youth, who are affected by Autism.
Autism is a behavioural disorder that makes it very difficult for an autistic person to respond to gestures, facial expressions, touch and even language.
The Tapuaki Mei Langi, Autism Foundation Inc. was formed in 2018 by four parents of four children who were identified to have been affected by Autism during the early 2000s.
Today Vaha said 40 youth had been identified. “Two more were identified after the Colourful Fun Run on Saturday.”