Tonga table tennis builds dreams for the disabled

Table tennis “Dream Building Project” was launched on September 22 in Kolonga, Tongatapu.

The project will run for two and a half years in collaboration with partners supported by the Tongan Table Tennis Federation, the International Table Tennis Federation Foundation and the Australian Government.

It aims to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities in remote villages and the islands of Tonga.

Moatau Valevale, son and guest of honor of Lord Nuku, said that sport is a great mechanism for integrating people with disabilities into society.

He encouraged Kolongan Church ministers, youth leaders, teachers, parents, and caregivers of people with disabilities to come together to break down barriers that keep people with disabilities at home and away from the rest of the community.

managing director on health care, Dr. Siale Akauola praised Tonga’s use of an inclusive social approach to table tennis through sport, given the need to take into account the international issue of inclusion.

He quoted former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during a high-level meeting on disability in 2013: Disability is part of human development. Everyone suffers from a temporary or permanent disability at some point in their lives, but too many people with disabilities live in poverty, many suffer from social exclusion, too many do not have access to education, employment, health care and social and legal support systems.

Fifita Lolohea Niutouasta, who attended the disability awareness workshop, said she was shocked that there was a sport she could finally participate in and feel comfortable with. I look forward to learning how to play table tennis, ”he said.

Kolonga alone has more than 40 injuries, the highest in the Lapaha region.

The Dream Building project will participate in the coming weeks with an inclusive Bounce it Back table tennis program with young church leaders, school teachers, and parents and caregivers with disabilities.

New Zealand, Japan, Tonga Health, TASANOC and various ministries were present at the event.