ピッタ・タウファトフアさんのインスタグラム写真 - (ピッタ・タウファトフアInstagram)「This is my first time back at a South Pacific Games after many years. The SPG is a competition held every four years where the best of the pacific come together to compete. This is where it all started for me. It was meant to be my first competition representing Tonga. I was so proud to be a national representative that I asked my parents to fly to Fiji to watch me fight. They spent months saving money for their ticket and flew across for the games. I was ready. The night before the competition I was told by the officials that my name had been taken off the fight list. A wealthy overseas man had “ financially convinced” certain officials to have his son put in my place. It was my first experience at disappointment and politics in sport. I felt like I had let my parents down. I didn’t get to fight but I was there with the team and did my best to hide my disappointment while cheering the other team members on. I learnt the importance of team spirit... it is an honour being back here in Samoa helping the team prepare to compete at their best. The team is ready, their spirits are high!」7月14日 5時36分