Students at Nuku’alofa Government Primary School took part in sporting activities, launched under the Australian Government’s Team Up sports development program today.

Team Up aims to support all people to realize their full potential through sports, with a primary focus on women, girls and people with disabilities.

"Today’s event is an opportunity for children to sample the fun of participating in these four great sports, to have fun, but also to benefit from regular exercise, to learn about healthy diets, to embody the respect and the honesty that defines true sports people and to realize the rewards of discipline and teamwork," said Australian High Commissioner HE Adrian Morrison.

Team Up is Australia’s new 10-year investment in sport development in the Indo-Pacific region, the Australian Sport’s partnership program.

“It will be delivered in six Pacific countries, Fiji, Nauru, PNG, Samoa, Vanuatu and, of course, here in Tonga,” said Mr Morrison.

“Team Up will see existing partnerships between Tongan and Australian sporting organizations become even closer and stronger.”

Under the program, the partnerships supported in Tonga are Tonga Table Tennis Federation and the International Table Tennis Federation, the Tonga Netball Association and Netball Australia, Tonga Football Association and the Oceania Football Confederation, and the National Rugby League in Tonga with the Australian Rugby League Commission.

Mr Morrison acknowledged the efforts of these sporting organizations to create safe inclusive and equitable spaces for all who enjoy sport.

Working with schools

Tavake Fangupo from NRL in Tonga said they are really fortunate that Australia can support the rugby league, netball, table tennis and soccer programs.

“We all work within the schools, so this new partnership is a collaboration, and we’re going to work together throughout Tonga including the outer islands.”

Tonga Table Tennis Federation CEO, Netina Latu said she is grateful that Australia recognizes the importance of the inclusion of persons with disabilities and what sport is doing to improve their quality of life.

“Because what I’ve seen from the last couple of years with the para athletes, it’s just amazing how they’ve built their confidence and their self-esteem, and being able to also help their peers. That’s what I’ve seen and really, that encourages me in what I do.”

She said table tennis is played in various disability centres in Tonga as well as in prison.

The event also recognized International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on 8 March.