By Eleanor Gee

Two para-athletes, Siaosi Vaka from Hofoa and Selemaia Lo’amanu from Lapaha have been appointed as Development Officers to help grow the sport of Table Tennis in schools and communities in Tonga.

Tonga Table Tennis Federation (TTTF) confirmed both para-athletes were appointed at the end of August with Siaosi in a full-time role, and Selemaia in a part-time role.

Siaosi and Selemaia are experienced table tennis players and have represented Tonga in para table tennis at regional and international competitions, with the latest at the New Zealand para table tennis national championships in November 2019.

Both employees are delivering beginner table tennis programs to schools, communities, and disability centres, as well as organizing and running training, promotion and diplomacy activities.

The appointments were made possible through the Australian Government’s Team Up sport development program.

TTTF Board Secretary, Jon Fifita was grateful to Australia for their support for para players in the past giving them the “opportunity to play and represent the country, build self-confidence, promote personal growth and now into a new pathway in life with employment”.

“It’s encouraging to have persons with disability have greater influence and leadership in sport organizations.”

“Having both Siaosi and Selemaia on board adds value to the sport as we promote the inclusion of persons with disability to society through table tennis.”