Supporters of the Hihifo rugby union club are hoping to raise TP$200,000 at fund raising events in Australia, New Zealand and Tonga.
The money will go towards building a community centre at the rugby grounds, installing solar powered lights and a water system that alleviates the pressure on the local well.
The first fund raising event will be held in Sydney on August 2, at the Tokaikolo Hall, 213 The Trangate, Granville from 7.30 pm.
Another event will be held in Auckland on September 6 and a third event will be held in Tonga.
Special guests at the Sydney event will be members of the Ikale Tahi team which defeated the Wallabies 16-11 in 1973.
About a third of the squad were from Hihifo.
These include Fakahau Valu, Pēseti Ma’afu, Malakai ‘Alatini, Fa’aleo Tūpī , vice captain Tali Kavapalu, ‘Isikeli Vave and Wallabies of Tongan heritage.
Family members will represent players who have since died, including captain Sione Mafi, Siaosi Sēlupe and ‘Īnoke Lūpina.
Tonga’s High Commissioner to Australia, Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku’aho, is expected to attend.
The Sydney event will feature cultural performances, including the traditional Tau’olunga and provide an opportunity to speak with visiting players.
Father ‘Āliki Langi, a Tongan Marist priest based in Sydney, but from Kolovai, a village in Hihifo, volunteered to spearhead the community project.
The main points
- Supporters of the Hihifo rugby union club are hoping to raise TP$200,000 at fund raising events in Australia, New Zealand and Tonga.
- The money will go towards building a community centre at the rugby grounds, installing solar powered lights and a water system that alleviates the pressure on the local well.
For more information
Tonga beats the Wallabies 1973
