Tonga Table Tennis Federation (TTTF) has launched a Business House competition this month, on September 11, which is attracting teams of players, as they head to finals in November.

The first round of matches coincided with the start of the Fiefia Tonga Sports, an annual sports program for government ministries and corporate businesses.

The new Business House event has seen multiple venues being put to use, as well as Tonga Table Tennis Federation (TTTF) development coaches offering coaching sessions prior to the start of the inaugural season.

Teams come from the Ministry of Finance, Tonga Power Ltd, BSP Bank, Tupou Tertiary Institute, and Naunau ‘Alamaite Tonga Association (NATA) - a self-advocacy group for persons with disabilities.

TTTF CEO Netina Latu said the federation’s strategic plan, had now come to reality, much to the delight and enjoyment of its participants.

“In addition NATA is playing a vital role in educating others on inclusion. The respect for the skill of athletes with disabilities is growing already and I think by the end of this competition there could be significant positive changes in perception,” she said.

"Business House is a key driver for inclusion in Tonga and table tennis is the only sport where players with disabilities can compete on an equal platform with their peers.”

The competition had also brought in the national junior and senior players as officials.

"We look forward to seeing the progress of the teams as they compete towards the main draw and the big final on November 13," she said.

The competition is supported by Matalupe Company Ltd., Tui International Ltd., JJ Rose Store & Gallery, and the Chinese Embassy in Tonga.

Matches are played at Tupou Tertiary Institute at Fasi and at the Tonga Power Ltd garage in Matatoa, on Fridays from 4:30pm to 7pm.