By Tupou Vaipulu Jr

The Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) is hosting a training workshop this week to develop safe practices to protect athletes and ensure an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for sports in Tonga.

The three-day Safeguarding Workshop led by expert Roshika Deo, held from 18-20 September at the TASANOC headquarters in Haveluloto.

It is educating TASANOC staff and representatives from the 15 national sport federations and the Paralympic Committee on key safeguarding principles in sports. These principles include child protection, prevention of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse (PSHEA), and safeguarding policy implementation.

Over the three days, participants are working on a draft of TASANOC's safeguarding policy, and considering the unique needs of the Tongan and Pacific sports landscape.

Julie Tauataina and Malialosa Falevai from the Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) will share a “wealth of expertise” in safeguarding practices. They are offering participants the opportunity to understand and address child protection issues and also see through the lens of their experience working with survivors of violence and abuse.

The workshop was possible with additional support from the Oceania Impact Network, Team Up, and other partners including UN Women, ONOC Equity Commission and the International Olympic Committee.

Participants:

1. Felicity George, NRL in Tonga
2. Lupe Fe'ao, NRL in Tonga
3. Amalani Tuakai, Tonga Volleyball Association
4. Esela Mo'unga, Tonga Archery Association
5. Siaosi Vaka, Tonga Table Tennis Federation
6. Malialosa Falevai, Women Children Crisis Centre
7. Samantha Cocker, National Outrigger Canoe Club
8. Julie Tauataina, Women Children Crisis Centre
9. Mele Manumu'a, Australian Football League Tonga
10. Siosifa Pomana, Tonga National Paralympic Committee
11. Loata Finau, TASANOC
12. Tasinito Hausia, Tonga Tennis Federation
13. Taumata Voukimounga, Tonga Hockey Federation
14. Sious Kaufusi, Tonga Hockey Federation
15. Enona Latu, Tonga Handball Association
16. Elioti Taufa, Tonga Lawnbowls Association
17. Kilisitina Uhi, Tonga Swimming and Aquatics
18. Siutaisa Toviuooua, Tonga Swimming and Aquatics
19. Ioana Sugar, Tonga Rowing
20. Paula Havea, Tonga Athletics
21. Uinita Tauhalaliku, Tonga Netball Association
22. Fa'alongo Tovo, Tonga Taekwondo Association
23. Hiko Fungavaka, Tonga Hockey Federation
24. Sulieti Manala, Australian Football League Tonga
25. Vaisioa To’oa, TASANOC
26. Viliami Mafi, TASANOC
27. Mele Havili, TASANOC
28. Suliasi Aholelei, TASANOC
29. Lesila Lokotuu, WCCC
30. Falemaama Tei, WCCC
31. Yasmin ‘Aho, Tonga Judo Federation

The Tonga National Olympic Committee which is registered as the Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) was recognised by IOC in 1984.