By Tupou Vaipulu Jr

The newly constructed Tonga High School Indoor Stadium, as the main venue for the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leader’s meeting next week, was opened yesterday, 22 August, in Nuku’alofa, with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala.

The Tonga High School Sports Complex Project is the largest China-aid project to Tonga at present, costing around TOP$62 million to build. The Indoor Stadium covers 4,311 square meters and is 19 meters high, located next to Tonga High School behind the Nuku’alofa Government Primary School and the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.

Further developments of the outside areas are expected to be completed by the end of the year, including an outdoor rugby field, two outdoor tennis courts, four outdoor netball courts, one renovated outdoor basketball court and ancillary facilities.

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, to Tonga, HE Mr. Liu Weimin said that after adjustments and improvement, “the indoor stadium can host not only sports events but also large-scale celebrations and conferences.

“We are keen to see the convening of the 53rd PIF leaders meeting here in a couple of days”

The last PIF Leader’s Meeting hosted by Tonga was 17 years ago.

Crown Princess Sinaitakala also attended the launch, with government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, teachers and hundreds of students of Tonga High School.

During the launch, HE Mr. Liu Weimin presented a cheque for $499,333 pa'anga to the Prime Minister, for the Tonga High School Renovation Project, which is additional funding.  A further gift of 20 “Great Wall TANK 500” protocol vehicles for Tonga, was accepted by the PM.

The Prime Minister is also Tonga's Minister of Education.