During the shot-put event at Tonga’s 2025 Intercollegiate Sports, a touching interaction between Prince Taufa’ahau Manumataongo and a young boy from Vava’u captured the hearts of onlookers.
Today is the final day of the national sporting events at the Teufaiva National Stadium since Tuesday, 8.
In one of the most touching moments of the games, Melemanu Fiu Bloomfield shared how Darren Tonga from Vava’u’s Kelena College approached her during the shot-put event.
The Prince was performing at the event.
Bloomfield said Tonga asked for her umbrella to provide shade for the Prince.
“The sun was intense, and Darren was determined to serve”, she said.
Tonga approached the prince, known for his humility and generosity, and eagerly offered to provide shade.
Moved by the boy’s sincerity, Prince Taufa’ahau, a student of Tupou College, graciously accepted the gesture and later rewarded Tonga with a coin to buy candy.
Bloomfield said: “Overjoyed by the encounter, the young boy will surely cherish this memory forever”.
“Thank you, Prince Taufa’ahau, for your kindness in allowing the boy to fulfill his duty,” she said.
It comes after the intercollegiate sports took a dramatic turn yesterday when the Girls’ 1500m gold medal, initially awarded to Apifo’ou College, was overturned after a review.
Mo’unga Olive College’s Kasilita Tu’akalau was declared the rightful winner, claiming one of the first gold medals on Tuesday, 8 April.
Yesterday, the stadium erupted in cheers as Tupou College Toloa’s Titali Kolomalu stunned spectators by outrunning Liahona’s Latu Latavao in a thrilling race.
The victory has set the stage for an electrifying final day of competition today, 10 April.
As the Games close, these moments of kindness, controversy, and triumph will be remembered as the defining highlights of this year’s event.
