Pacific Sports Ambassador

Valerie Adams starts sports ambassador role in Tonga

Ms Adams, whose mother was Tongan, chose to make Tonga the first island nation she visits in her role as New Zealand's Pacific Sports Ambassador, aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging participation in physical activity.

At a reception in Nuku'alofa she said she knew she bore a big responsibility to encourage and inspire Tongans to take part in the games.

Ms Adams says the 2019 Pacific Games should be an exciting time for Tonga.

Val Adams appointed as Pacific Sports Ambassador

Foreign Minister Murray McCully said "the new role of Pacific Sports Ambassador will allow New Zealand to further develop our strong sporting links with the region."

"Valerie Adams is uniquely qualified to carry out this important role. She has strong connections to the Pacific through her Tongan heritage and is one of New Zealand's most successful and admired athletes.