The Tonga Tourism Association on behalf of the Heilala Festival Organising Committee received four new motorbikes from the Chinese Embassy on July 2. The motorbikes were handed over to the Minister of Tourism Hon Fineasi Funaki from the Tonga-China Friendship Association in a ceremony held at the Loumaile Lodge.

The Heilala Festival Committee Director, Semisi Sika, said that the committee was very grateful to the Chinese Embassy for their continued support for the Heilala Festival, as they had been donating $1000 annually toward the event. The motorbikes will be auctioned to raise money for the festival.

Semisi also expressed the gratitude his committee for financial support from local businesses. "We are indeed grateful to Digicel which pledged $10,000, MBF has donated $3,000 and UCALL has committed to also donate."

The one-month long Heilala Festival will run from July 8 to August 1 at the Heilala Village in central Nuku'alofa. The program for the first day includes a Liahona-Alumni Expo, the final of the "Up with the Stars" singing competition followed in the evening with the dazzle of the Miss Galaxy Queen Pageant.

The Heilala Festival is organised by the Tonga Tourism Association with Saia Moehau as President.