The Tonga team has won nine medals in the final medal tally at the Special Olympics 2013, Asia Pacific Games, that ended last week in Newcastle, Australia.

In the final day of the competition on Friday 6 December, Tonga's medal tally stood at three gold, four silver and two bronze medals.

Star sprinter Tomasi Ma'asi won three gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 400m. Women athletes Patiola Pahulu won two silver in bocce, Langalotu ‘Alofi got one silver medal in bocce and a silver for Tangikina Soakai in shot put.

The two bronze medalists were Pauli Ma’afu in bocce and Tangikina Soakai in 100m.

The eight athletes are expected tp return to Tonga early tomorrow morning. A celebratory march will be held in Nuku'alofa, organised by a Special Olympics Committee leaving from the Tonga Red Cross Offices on Hala Taufa'ahau at 9:00am. A program will be held at the Digicel Christmas Tree Square on the corner of Hala Taufa'ahau and Hala Uelingitoni in the CBD, to be attended by Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala starting at 10:00am.

The Special Olympic Tonga Association thanked the major sponsor Digicel Tonga and minor sponsor ANZ Bank for providing financial assistance for the team to attend the games. Support was also received from the President and members of the Fofo'anga Club and the family of Koniseti Liutai of Sydney, Australia.