Cash awards for Tonga's Pacific Games medalists

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Gold medalists with Hon Dr Saia Piukala, Hon 'Akilisi Pohiva, and Hon Penisimani Fifita, Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf, Nuku'alofa. 30 July 2019.

Tonga's medalists at the recent Pacific Games in Samoa, were awarded prizes last night, 30 July, at a ceremony hosted by the Government of Tonga, at the Taufa’ahau Tupou Domestic Wharf, Nuku’alofa.

Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva handed out the prizes for gold medalists and said the event was to celebrate the safe return of athletes and for achieving the highest medal tally ever for Tonga at the games.

“We won more gold medals this year. And most of the medals were won by athletes who trained in Tonga.”

He said in week one of the games, he heard that Tonga only won two bronze medals and “my heart sank”.

He was relieved when “during week two, the medals started to come in.”

The PM thanked the Tonga Sports Council and TASANOC for their hard work in supporting the athletes. He also thanked the athletes and their parents.

“We would like to celebrate your achievements with a prize giving for your hard work, and to support you on your journey into the future.”

The Minister Responsible for Sports, Hon Dr Saia Piukala then took over and handed out prizes to other medal winners, when the PM retired to his seat.

Rev Semisi Fonua gave out the rest of the prizes.

Cash prizes were awarded to individual winners, team winners and to each of the National Sports Federation that won medals.

The Team Tonga Awards ceremony was attended by government ministers, officials, diplomats, sporting bodies as well as the athletes and coaches.

Prize breakdown:

Individual winners