In a groundbreaking decision, a student from Beulah College in Tonga has made history by becoming the first from the Adventist Church-affiliated institution to participate in a national sports competition.
Pomana Jr Ma’afu, a Form 6 student at Beulah, has been selected to represent the Tongan Under-18 rugby league team in their upcoming match against Fiji this Saturday in Lautoka.
Beulah College, known for its adherence to Adventist Church doctrines, has traditionally refrained from participating in sports or cultural competitions.
However, in an unprecedented move, the school’s authorities reportedly granted permission for the student to join the national squad after he showcased his talent playing for the Vaini under-18 team.
A reliable source confirmed to Kaniva News that the Beulah College administration approved his participation, marking a significant shift in the school’s stance.
The Tongan teams, boys and girls, arrived in Fiji yesterday, gearing up for what promises to be an intense showdown against Fiji’s under-18 sides.
A team official said this historic milestone highlights the student’s sporting prowess and signals a potential shift in Tonga’s intersection of faith, education, and sports.
Fiji invitations
The Tongan teams’ participation comes after the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) invited them to play pre-match games ahead of Fiji’s National Under-18 main fixture against the West Tigers.
The Fiji U18 side is preparing for the upcoming Australian Under-18 Tournament, making this a crucial warm-up opportunity.
It is understood that the FNRL covers all costs for Tonga’s U18 squads, including travel and accommodation.
