The Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIA), Lord Vaea, officially handed the Tongan flag to Meleane Falemaka, the flag bearer for Team Tonga, at a flag handover ceremony held in at the Ministry headquarters in Nuku’alofa. This marks a significant moment as the team prepares to depart for France this Friday to participate in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Lord Vaea expressed his pride in the team and wished them success. “We are all behind you as you compete in Paris. Go and make Tonga proud.”
Meleane Falemaka, who will compete in the women’s discus throw F38 event, received the flag with pride and determination. “It’s an honour to represent Tonga on such a global stage,” Falemaka said. The women’s discus throw F38 event is scheduled for 6 PM on Friday, September 6th (7 AM Saturday, September 7th Tonga time).
Earlier in the day, the Tonga Paralympics team paid a courtesy call on the French Honorary Consul to Tonga, Finetu’ui Moala.
Moala extended her best wishes to Falemaka, saying, “I wish Meleane well in her participation at the Paris Paralympics. We can all be proud of her hard work and drive to get there. Bon courage Vasi! Tu peux le faire! – All the best Vasi! You got this!”
Also present at the ceremony were the Deputy CEO for the MIA Sports Division, ‘Onetoto ‘Anisi, and Siosifa Pomana from the Tonga Paralympics Committee, who both stood in support of Falemaka and the team’s upcoming journey.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will officially open on August 28th, with Team Tonga ready to make their mark on the international stage.
