Over 200 people gathered at the Loto-Tonga Soccer Centre to receive the food and hygiene packages through OFC Solidarity Fund during this global pandemic period.
When the World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus disease COVID−19 a pandemic, OFC decided to grant this solidarity fund to cover four key areas, including food and hygiene packets, loss of income, medical allowances and self-isolation costs. Upon the received of this grant, Tonga Football decided to focus on two areas, the food and hygiene package and loss of income. However, hygiene packages to distribute to all the schools then the food packages to all officials, volunteers, coaches, referees and staff. The loss of income to distribute only to coaches, volunteers and referees.
Tonga Football organizing to host an event to distribute all packages and to invite everyone’s involve to attend. However, Tonga Football invited the Minister for Education and Training, Honorable Siaosi Sovaleni to be the guest of honour and to also received 118 hygiene packages to all government primary and secondary schools in Tonga.
Honorable Sovaleni addressed this special event to extend his gratitude and appreciation to Tonga Football for selecting the schools to be amongst the recipients.
“I trust these hygiene packages you give away today will be assist our school kids in keeping them clean and in term of preparing to fight against COVID 19 furthermore it will help for their wellness”, Sovaleni says.
“During this difficult time, it is important for us to look after our children so they won’t be affect, hence I’m happy for what you do Tonga Football in developing football through-out Tonga so the children could play and avoid depression and stress. Their concentration and positive attitude will be improved” stressed Sovaleni.
Sovaleni reminded the crowd one of Winston Churchill’s quote, “Healthy Citizens are the greatest asset any country can have”.
“May I remind you, do not allow your fear to control your life, don’t base your decision making because of your fear but trust in the Lord as he already gifted you with knowledge and bright mind,”he said.
He offers his best wishes to the President of Tonga Football, Lord Ve’ehala for all they do in order to build a healthier youth of Tonga.
There were other representatives from other schools, and they were Free Weslyan Church, Latter Day Saint, Catholic Schools, Seven Days Adventist, Tokaikolo Schools, Church of Tonga schools and the St Andrew High School.
Reverend Dr. Palefau representing the FWC schools, expressing his gratitude thanks for including them in this event.
To conclude this event, Lord Ve’ehala presented all hygiene packages to all school representatives, and the food packages to all officials.
Everyone went home excitedly.
End.
