Tonga

ABC reports journalist Nico Hines wrote an article about using the gay dating app Grinder at the Rio Games, referencing the country and sport of many of those looking for sex using the app.

Tongan swimmer Amini Fonua, who is open about being gay, said The Daily Beast website ought to be ashamed of itself for potentially outing athletes from places like Tonga where homosexuality is illegal.

The ramp was funded through the help of an online fundraiser, as well as the generosity of several local Tongan business owners who offered discounts on building materials.

Kaniva News reports his condition was unknown but photos uploaded to Facebook showed he was limping out of the field with the help of a supporter. He was also seen being pushed on a wheelchair.

His supporters, however, took to Facebook to congratulate and told Filimone he has won a gold medal for Tonga after he became second in the preliminary 100m in 10.76 seconds.

Meanwhile it has been reported that there were two Tongan referees at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Lata Kaumatule, 31, and Tevita Makasini, 39, were both assistant referees in Olympic Soccer competition.

Lavulavu is the youngest People Representative (PR) elected into the legislative Assembly of Tonga.

Mrs Lavulavu won Vava’u 16 constituency by-election with 754 votes which was held last month defeating other candidates including former MP Viliami Latu, ‘Atalasa Pouvalu and ‘Ipeni Siale.

Lavulavu also becomes the only female parliamentarian to represent the women’s concerns and interests in Parliament.

Speaking with Parliament news this morning, the former Tonga High School ex-student says she is happy and confident to carry out her duty as a parliamentarian.

In a statement, the government says it sees no justifiable basis to change that position now.

The statement was issued in response to issues raised by the media in regards to the investment agreement recently executed by the Tongan Government and the Trust.

In respect of the judgment made by the New Zealand High Court against the current Chairman of the Trust, this was a private matter which does not in any shape or form relate to, or affect the Agreement that exists between the Trust and the Tongan Government.

Radio Tonga reports consent has been made by His Majesty King Tupou the VI after approval by the Prime Minister and his Cabinet that the annual event should be deferred.

Spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries says the conditions at Manamo’ui, where the displays were to be staged were very poor.

Pools of water and mud would have made it difficult for transportation of products and the grounds should dry up before shelters and tents are set up.

RNZ reports the rules state that athletes are meant to shoot in shorts but the 18 year old said he wanted to do something different to showcase his heritage and the judges agreed to the request.

"It gives you a bit of a boost to know, to actually feel the tradition and the culture. The last couple of days I was thinking of it and I tried it on and I shot fine in it with the wind but it was mainly just to show how proud we are to be Tongan, the team in general...there's a line called "Tongan Pride"...it had to show some of my culture, some of what we actually have in Tonga."

FijiVillage reports Fiji pressured Tonga throughout the match however Tonga managed to score three tries.

Fiji Coach Josaia Rabele says the boys played a lazy game and they could have prevented the Tongan’s from scoring a try.

Rabele says they will need to improve in defence in the ruck area if they want to win games.

Team manager Toa Kaufusi said they brought 18 players with them to play against the Fiji residents and to also tour Hawaii for their game against the Toa Samoa, but the two players might not make it.

Kaufusi said there were some difficulties faced in the interview and they were trying to work on re-applying for the duo's visa.

But today as they face the Fiji residents, Kaufusi said the Tongan side was made up of local players and none have had the experience of playing in International competitions just like the Fiji Residents.

For the third day in a row, the wet environments failed to discourage Mormon youths numbered in the hundreds, from performing cultural dances from throughout the Pacific. Dancers representing Fiji, Maori, Tahiti, Rarotonga, Sāmoa, Hawai’i and Tonga improvised slipping-and-sliding in the mud into their repertoire.

The Royal Family attended celebration events for the third day in a row, joined by a full-house and an overflowed crowd of members and “investigators” as Mormons call non-members. Tongan Mormons who have migrated overseas made their presence felt.