Tongan athletes join Pacific Mini-Games [1]
Tuesday, September 3, 2013 - 23:00
Tongan athletes are competing in six sports at the 2013 Pacific Mini Games from September 2-12 in the French Territory of Wallis and Futuna.
The games was opened yesterday Monday, September 2 at Kafika Stadium in the capital Mata-Utu. Tonga’s flag bearer was ‘Ilaniume Finau, a gold medalist in weightlifting at the 2011 Pacific Games in Noumea.
A statement from TASANOC said a total of 65 Tongan athletes and officials are representing Tonga.
Takitoa Taumopeau, TASA Secretary-General and Chef de Mission said the first group of 47 athletes from beach volleyball, Rugby 7’s, taekwondo, outrigger canoe and weightlifting departed Tonga on the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa ferry on Monday, August 26. TASANOC President Lady Robyn Tu’ivakano and Development Officer Hiko Fungavaka will also travel to the games.
He said the Ministry of Internal Affairs had assisted in paying the travel expenses with sports associations also chipping in.
The athletics team flew from Tonga on Tuesday, August 27 after they raised money and government also provided assistance for their travel.
The sports competition began today with outrigger canoe, weightlifting and athletics. The beach volleyball competition will be held on September 4-10 followed by Rugby 7's on September 10-11 before the games end.