Story and Photos by Linny Folau

Tonga's 85th Inter-Collegiate Sports competition opened with a teams parade at the Teufaiva Outdoor Stadium this morning, where over 1,000 athletes from throughout Tonga are competing in the three day event.

It was a very humid morning in Nuku'alofa, but the colourful parade was cheered by thousands of spectators who packed into Teufaiva.

Since last year the sports competition has become a national event, with the participation of sports team from the Niuafo'ou and Niuatoputapu High Schools.

The Minister of Education Rev. Dr Tevita Hala Palefau said in his welcome speech that over 1,000 athletes are competing, coming from 35 schools in Tonga, including the outer island schools of Vava'u, Ha'apai, 'Eua and the two Niuas.

He said Liahona High school had the most sports team with 138 athletes followed by Lavengamalie with 89 athletes, Tupou High School with 75 and 'Api Fo'ou College with 71.

The first event this morning was the 1,500m Open Girls, and the 100m Hurdles, and Long Jumping.

The Guest of Honor was Hon. Salote Maumautaimi Tuku'aho and Hon. Sione Ikamafana Tuita.