Tonga Gymnastics Federation Inc.
Tonga Gymnastics Federation (TGF) is the official governing body for Gymnastics in the Kingdom of Tonga.
TONGA GYMNASTICS FEDERATION – THE STORY SO FAR….
Although TGF became a registered Federation in 2017, the story goes back much further and involves the dedication, hard work and support of many along the way:
In early 2010, Rowena Deadman, a New Zealand gymnastics coach, course presenter and club manager established relationships with preschools and the Red Cross in Tonga through a connection with Footsteps Preschool. Many Tongan families attend the gymnastics club that Rowena manages in NZ – Gym City Papatoetoe. Rowena conducted preschool gymnastics teacher education sessions in Tonga in 2010 and 2011. Preschool gymnastics programs continued to be conducted in kindergartens in Tonga since. Rowena also conducted sessions with the Red Cross, teaching them how to use their basic equipment for people with disabilities.
In June 2013, representing Gymnastics New Zealand, Rowena conducted a Play gym Course, with around 30 preschool teachers involved. She spent a week in Tonga also visiting preschools.
In March 2015 the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) committed to provide funding for the development of gymnastics in the Oceania region. the project is managed by Gymnastics Australia (GA) in partnership with Gymnastics New Zealand (GNZ). In April 2016 Tonga became the fifth country involved, after Fiji, Cook Islands, American Samoa and Guam.
A Gymnastics Development Visit to Tonga was conducted in April 2016. Oceania Gymnastics Development Manager Brooke Kneebush from GA and GNZ’s Rowena Deadman attended. teacher education, Come & Try sessions and coach education were amongst the activities conducted. Subsequent Development Visits were conducted in October 2016 and February 2017.
Several consultations followed with participating individuals and at the final working group meeting on the 6th March, the first AGM took place at the ArtSpace with Oceania Judo Union President Lennie Nitt as Chair. The Federation’s Constitution was passed and Tonga’s first Board members were elected to carry the Federation forward:
President: Rose Fangupo
Secretary: Kathryn Tupou
Treasurer: Amy Halapua
Appointed General Member: Soana Kaitapu
Appointed General Member: Ilimalei Tuinukuafe
Despite the devastation caused by cyclone Gita in 2018, the Tonga Gymnastics Federation continues to build, with three clubs conducting programs – Footsteps Preschool, ACTs School and Teufaiva Fitness. The Federation were fortunate to receive a Direct Aid Program grant from the Australian High Commission for $2700 of equipment which has enabled programs to expand and include greater variety.
TGF looks forward to the ongoing story of this Federation and invite participation and support to GROW GYMNASTICS in the Kingdom of TONGA.