Athlete Samiuela ‘Ulufonua was praised for his abilities as a student athlete and competed in the 2013 Youth Olympics, but at his 21st birthday in Auckland, New Zealand his parents remembered the incident that could have taken his life.
Kaniva News reports Samiuela was three when he was hit by a car in Church Street, Otahuhu.
His parents believe it was their dedication to the Wesleyan Church that saved him.
His father, Sinipata Ulufonua is the secretary of the church.
After the accident his parents paid for a fence at the church to make sure children were safe.
His parents said they held a 21st birthday party to show how much they loved a son who could have been killed.
Samiuela’s sporting talents were mentioned during the celebrations this afternoon by family members who spoke at the celebration.
Some said he was saved in the accident because of his sporting talents.
His parents invited all their church members to the birthday celebration yesterday afternoon.
Many important Tongan handicrafts and money were presented.
Members of his paternal and maternal families from Nukunuku, Ma’ufanga, Taoa in Vava’u, Lofanga, Malapo and relatives in New Zealand attended.
His birthday was also celebrated as part of the church’s Uike Lotu, a prayer service conducted by all Free Wesleyan Churches in Tonga and overseas in the first week of every year to bless and dedicate the nation to God.
Samiuela still attends the Lau Tohi Fakasapate (Sunday School) at Kumuni ‘I Loto Wesleyan Church at 59 Church St in Otahuhu.