HM the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV was the first of six former elite sportsmen inducted into Tonga's first Hall of Fame last night.

Hon. Baron Vaea introduced the late monarch to the Hall of Fame and honoured him as a talented athlete. As a 14 year old in 1932 Crown Prince Taufa'ahau's pole vault of over 10 feet set a Tongan record. Baron Vaea awarded a special certificate of recognition to Tupou IV's daughter, the Princess Regent Pilolevu Tuita, the guest of honour at the ceremony.

Hon. Sione Ika Mafana Tuita presented the award to the second inductee to Fakahau Valu, a former captain of the national 'Ikale Tahi Rugby Team who played 33 tests and scored 17 tries for Tonga.

A former South Pacific Heavy Weight Champion the late Kitione Lave, was the third inductee, followed by Paea Wolfgram who shot to fame when he won a silver medal in the 1996 Olympic Games.

The fifth inductee was Talikava Palu a former 'Ikale Tahi player, followed by the late Motuliki Fakatava, a South Pacific Games tennis medallist.

Life Members of Sports

Two people who have made great contributions to the development of sports in Tonga were also honoured with Certificates as Life Members of Sports.

They were Joe Tu'ilatai Mataele the former President of the Tonga Professional Boxing and William Wight the founder of the Tonga Amateur Boxing Association.

Three former Paralympic athletes Kaloni Timalu, Tevita Finau Latu and Valeti 'Alailupe were also honoured with certificates for Special Members of Sports.

The ceremony was held at the Janfull International Dateline Hotel and will become an annual event.

A venue where the names on the Hall of Fame and their history will be displayed will be confirmed at next year's event.