AFL Tonga

On 20 August 2008 two TAFA players were tragically crippled for life by a car accident while preparing for the 2008 International Cup. Paumolevuka Tu'i (18) of Talafo'ou and Mafua Kiokata (22) of Nukunuku are now recovering in Vaiola hospital, Nuku'alofa and are expected to be released to return to their villages in the near future.

Both boys had been selected as members of the 2008 National Team (The Tongan Marlins) just two days earlier. Surgeons have now reported that Pau will be paralysed from the waist down and Mafua will be paralysed from the neck down. More details of this tragic story can be found here.

As expected members of the Tongan community have reacted with overwhelming compassion and generosity. A Trust Fund has been established to provide financial support with ongoing medical and support costs to the families. The Pau Mafua Trust Fund is administered by Mr Michael O'Shannesy (an Australian expatriate currently working within Tonga and former Chairman of Wheelchair Sports, Victoria), and Mr Arthur Hubbard (the ANZ Bank Manager in Nuku'alofa) through a formal Trust Deed. Donations can be made to the trust fund at any time via an ANZ Nukualofa Account - 1623140, or by contacting Mr Michael O'Shannesy

To kick off the Trust fund an auction will be held at the Billfish Bar at 8PM on 23 Oct 08. Full details on the Charity Auction can be found here.