For a journey that began three years ago when she responded to an invitation from Tonga National Paralympic Committee (TNPC) for athletes to join, Meleane Vasitai Lea’aepeni Falemaka is now set to make her Paralympic debut at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, representing Tonga in the women’s F37 discus throw event. She will be the only athlete from the Tonga.
Falemaka has already made a mark in the sports world as the only female who was part of the Tonga Table Tennis Federation para-team that won bronze medals at the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands last year. She hopes to see a Paralympic table tennis team for Tonga in the future.
Her recent classification at the Marrakech 2024 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Morocco secured her universality spot for the Paris Games. Falemaka’s athletic career took off after suffering a stroke in 2010, which resulted in paralysis on the right side of her body. Despite the challenges, she has remained dedicated, with daily rehab training at a local gym and discus throwing sessions in the evening.
In an interview with Talanoa ‘o Tonga, Falemaka said, “Being a para-athlete gives me confidence that I can do almost anything,” Falemaka said. “I encourage others who are disabled to join activities set up for them like para sports because it can give them, as I feel now, a new life.”
She said that she her main challenges include getting transportation to training, finding suitable venues to practice discuss throwing, and covering gym expenses. However, her determination and family support keep her motivated. “Despite the many challenges I face, I’m determined and committed to pursue and complete my goals each day,” she said.
Falemaka looks forward to the growth of para-athletics in Tonga and the establishment of more activities and a rehabilitation center to support athletes’ training and well-being. She aims to inspire more para-athletes to join and hopes for better facilities and support in the future.
Even though Falemaka had been selected to represent Tonga at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, the TNPC had to withdraw from the Games due to COVID-19 restrictions. The decision according to former TNPC President, Mr Viliami Tufui, was for safety and logistical reasons.
With the support of her community in Kolofo’ou and the TNPC, Falemaka’s dreams are becoming a reality as she prepares to compete in Paris.
Falemaka and the TNPC are currently seeking support with raising funds to assist with travel costs to the Paris Games. The TNPC can be reached at telephone 6768788288 or via their website www.paralympic.org.to
Source: Talanoa ó Tonga News
