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A collection of news-briefs from The Tonga Chronicle, Lao & Hia, Taimi 'o Tonga, Ko e Kele'a, Radio Tonga. For more details of these stories, feel invited to buy a paper from one of the locations mentioned in our media pages http://www.tongatapu.net.to/tonga/news/media/default.htm
Tongan Soccer in turmoil
A power play seemingly led by Kololiana 'Otuangu has split Tonga soccer which now has two bodies attempting to run the local soccer competition and have the international recognition of FIFA.
On Apr. 11, Ms. 'Otuangu (Asst. President) called a special meeting of the original Tonga Soccer Committee in which she reports a number of accusations of unsatisfactory behaviour was reported to the meeting and in which a new Committee was elected. The power play by Ms. 'Otuangu effectively squeezes out the then President Hon. Ve'ehala and Secretary 'Ahongalu Fusimalohi while also alienating the treasurer Lui 'Aho who was not accused of any wrong doing but has rejected office in either the New Committee pushed by Ms. 'Otuangu or the original Committee.
Accusations from Ms. 'Otuangu, as provided by the New Committee reporting on their meeting have unfortunately been contradicted by those mentioned in the reports to have supported the accusations.
Tonga Soccer reached a new pinnacle with the earlier committee when negotiations and efforts by the committee and Mr. Fusimalohi lead to recognition by FIFA of Tonga's Soccer Association in 1994. Tonga's progress towards the next world cup included the Tonga initiated Polynesia Cup; a triangular series between Tonga, Samoa, and Rarotonga.
Nonetheless, the new committee has promoted itself as the true FIFA representative in Tonga and have submitted their cause to the FIFA Oceania Officer in New Zealand. FIFA is considering the application from the new committee and have yet to make a ruling.
Meanwhile, there are kids kicking around a soccer ball that one day may make a reasonable living from a game imported and adopted.
FWC - Appointments for 1997/98
The Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga's annual Conference, held this year in Vava'u, attracted more than 1,000 delegates from the Kingdom and overseas. On Wednesday May 7th the Conference reappointed as President, the Rev. Lopeti Taufa; and as Secretary Rev. Dr. 'Alifeleti M. Mone.
The delegates have been joined by well wishers, family and friends also travelling to Vava'u to assist in the food preparations of the festivities surround the conference. This year also marks the festivities commemorating the 50th year of the FWC College in Vava'u, Mailefihi Siu'ilikutapu College. Ex-students from Tonga and abroad have especially travelled to take part in the celebration and fundraising activities to support the school in its further developments.
Further events scheduled in conjunction with the Conference include the annual inter-school Rugby tournament between the FWC Colleges (Tupou High School, Tupou College, Taufa'ahau Pilolevu College, and Mailefihi Siu'ilikutapu College.) Super League's Island of Origin tournament will be held in Vava'u
'Ikale Tahi in final preparations
The 'Ikale Tahi team will complete final trials against the New Zealand Siutaka, composing of Tongan players in New Zealand. The final trials will be completed without Japan based players David Briggs, Feleti Mahoni, and 'Etuate Manu. Also in doubt is the team captain Mana 'Otai who, as with the other players, have not been released by their club team.
BYU Concert Choir in Charity Event
The BYU-Hawai'i Concert Choir is touring the South Pacific with scheduled performances in Nuku'alofa on May 16 and 17 at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall. Free Admission is provided for both performances with a collection plate to be passed around to support the Alonga Disabled Centre.
The choir will be directed by Dr. James A. Smith, a 20-year veteran of BYU-Hawai'is choral activities.
TCF Opens new distribution facility in Ha'apai
TCF opened a new distribution facility, T$180,500, in Ha'apai on May 3rd. The new building replaces the previous structure razed by fire in 1995. Rev. Penisimani Fonua, FWC District Minister, dedicated the new building and Mr. Taniela Moa, Acting Government Representative for Ha'apai, formally opened the building.
Leimatu'a, Vava'u, hosts Police graduation ceremony
Drenched in rain, Leimatu'a hosted this year's graduation ceremony, Police passing-out ceremony. Although the Police band had difficulty with their footing, many maneuvers seeing band members sliding in the mud, the festival was enjoyed by all those present.
Dux of the class was Mr. Tevita 'Ofa-he-Folau Vehikite of Leimatu'a/Kapa, runner-up Mr. Soane Vahe of Fatumu and Houmakelikao. Two women were among the 17 recruits graduating, Ms. 'ofa Milika Mapa of Leimatu'a won the Bible Studies awards and Ms. Akesui Havea of Kamli won the best performance award.
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