By Tupou Vaipuku Jr.

Tonga's 96th Inter-Collegiate Athletics Competition started on 24 April at the Teufaiva Stadium. 

The event was filled with youthful spirit and a lot of excitement as hundreds of athletes went back to the tracks and field, after a colourful opening parade started off the highly anticipated event. The keen athletes were ready to put their best foot forward and those who did not have sports shoes marched in matching socks.

The excitement of this year's competition was further energised because it was the return to normalcy, following to the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

Today's athletics competition included the track events such as the 1500m and field events like javelin and shot put, which were held simultaneously.

The four-days competition has over 10 secondary and middle schools from Tongatapu and some of the outer islands competing. The last Inter-Collegiate sports event was held in 2021.

Hundreds of cheering families and friends filled the stadium on a sunny day in the capital, after last week's rainy weather.