The former President of TASANOC, Lord Tupou was honoured with the Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the Welcoming Ceremony of the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) General Assembly at the Grand Pacific Hotel held in Suva, Fiji last Friday evening May 1.
The Order was awarded by IOC President Hon. Tomas Bach in recognition of the work and contribution carried out by Lord Tupou through sports during his involvement in the past 40 years.
The Olympic Order is the highest award of the Olympic Movement and is awarded particularly for distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement.
The ceremony was special for four members from our region, Oceania, and they were Rosie Blake (Cook Island), Joe Carlo (Vanuatu), Lord Tupou (Tonga) and Helen Brownlee (Australia).
According to Secretary General, Takitoa Taumoepeau, the “ceremony was very warming and uplifting, especially it is the first for Tonga and TASANOC, as Lord Tupou is a former President and a Life Member. He is the first Tongan to receive such prestigious award.
Takitoa added, “it was also fitting for Lord Tupou who had been instrumental in the drive and changes to TASANOC, particularly with his legal background and experience in Government circle as well”. Also presence and join at the ceremony was wife, Saane and eldest son, David Jnr.
The President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was Chief Guest and he was proud with the achievements by the four recipients from Oceania.
