The President of the International Olympic Committee, Mr Jacques Rogge, told Tongan students at Pangai Lahi yesterday (26 October 2011), that if the success of the 'Ikale Tahi at the Rugby World Cup had such a positive impact on them, then they should look upon the players, the coach and the management of the team as their role models in whatever sports that they engaged in.

Mr Rogge was visiting Tonga from October 25-27 as the Guest of Honour at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee TASANOC.

Yesterday, October 26, he also attended a Kava Ceremony, hosted by the Kinikinilau Cultural Band. Students from the Hilliard Memorial School of the Seventh Day Adventist lined Hala Vuna on a short drive from the International Dateline Hotel to Pangai Lahi, accompanied by the 'Apifo'ou College brass band.

Later at TASANOC headquarter, Haveluloto, Lord Tevita Tupou, the president of TASANOC, welcomed Mr Rogge to the official ceremony to mark the TASANOC's 50th anniversary. "Such was the joy and happiness that sport, in this case, rugby, brought to the country and the people of Tonga, This must be the legacy of sport," Lord Tupou said.

Following the TASANOC's 50th anniversary ceremony in the morning, the president inspected exhibitions by some of Tonga's sporting associations, including archery, taekwondo, rugby, body building, golf, heavyweight lifting and triathlon.

The Minister for Training, Employment, Youth and Sports, Hon. Fe'ao Vakata hosted a lunch at the 'Oholei Beach Resort. A reception and a dinner was held last evening, before the visitors left Tonga this morning, October 27. Traveling with Mr and Mrs Rogge, were Ms Yasmine Braeckevelt, personal assistant and Dr Robin Mitchell.