Tonga Tala's joyous welcome [1]
Thursday, December 8, 2022 - 00:30. Updated on Thursday, December 8, 2022 - 08:17.
Tonga’s champion National Netball Team, Tala received a joyous welcome, after arriving in Tonga on Saturday night 3 December, to connect with Tongans, celebrate their win and hold a 'Tala Fou ki 'Api Camp and Tour'.
The team, coaching staff and management were welcomed by the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Samiu Vaipulu, families and fans, at the Fua'amotu International Airport.
The Tala won the 2022 PacificAus Sports Netball Series in October on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.
CEO of Tonga Netball, Salote Sisifa told Matangi Tonga today, that Tala is here to celebrate Tonga and in return be celebrated by Tonga for their success in 2022.
"Tala was warmly embraced by the public at large. They received a Ha’unga from the Royal Palace upon arrival on Saturday night. Talking Chief Takapu in relaying the message said it’s the first of its kind to happen, but it’s done in honor of Tala’s success and being great ambassadors for Tonga and of course being Her Majesty the Queen's Team, as she named Tala."
Tala also took part in a March for Jesus led by King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u on Monday, 5 December, a public holiday to commemorate King Tupou I Day.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs also hosted and led a national float in their honour.
Salote said it had been an overwhelming experience for the team meeting supporters and different audiences.
“They have done school visits and still have many more engagements, including a lunch hosted by Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u, Government, Australian High Commission, their families hosting an evening and the finale with the Black Tie Charity Ball on, Monday 12 December, before they depart on the 13th.”
"It’s a really costly exercise to host the National Team Camp and Tour but the reward it brings to all involved from the players, management and the public at large is priceless and rewarding."
Tala will also hold netball clinics, meet supporters and play exhibition games for the public at the 'Atele Indoor Stadium. Some sessions will be closed to the public, including, techinical netball trainings and others.
Happy reunion
Two of the players expressed their joy of seeing their families at the airport.
Losa Fiefia Fifita wished her uncle Kesi was still here as it was everything to her seeing his kids welcome them to Tonga.
"The energy from all the other families and friends too, it was a lifetime experience to actually take in and feel what being in the Tala team means to represent your homeland."
Similarly Kelea ‘Iongi was ecstatic.
"I am just so happy to be back in the Kingdom and to see my family."