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Melena Wasithai Leaepene Falemaka began her Paralympic journey three years ago when she responded to the invitation of the Tonga National Paralympic Committee (TNPC). Now she is set to make her Paralympic debut at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Representing Tonga She will be the only athlete from Tonga in the women’s F37 discus event.
Falemaka has already made a name for herself in the sporting world, as the only female member of the Tonga Table Tennis Federation Paralympic team, which won bronze at the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands last year. She hopes Tonga will have a Paralympic table tennis team in the future.
She recently Categories in Marrakech The 2024 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Morocco has secured her international qualification for the Paris Olympics. Falaimaa’s athletic career began in 2010 when she suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed on the right side of her body. Despite the challenges, she persevered, doing rehabilitation training at a local gym every day and training for the discus throw in the evenings.
“As a Para-athlete, I have the confidence that I can do almost anything,” Falemaka said in an interview with Tonga’s Talanoa’o newspaper. “I encourage other people with disabilities to participate in activities set up for them, such as Para sports, because, like I feel now, it can give them a new life.”
She said her main challenges included transportation, finding a suitable place to practice throwing and paying for a gym. However, her determination and the support of her family kept her motivated. “Despite the many challenges, I am determined and committed to pursuing and completing my goals every day,” she said.
Falemaka is looking forward to the development of Para athletics in Tonga and the establishment of more events and rehabilitation centres to support the training and health of athletes. Her goal is to inspire more athletes with disabilities to join and hopes for better facilities and support in the future.
Although Falemaka had been selected to represent Tonga at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the Tonga Paralympics had to withdraw due to COVID-19 restrictions. Former Tonga Paralympic Committee President Viliami Tufui said the decision was made for safety and logistical reasons.
With the support of the Kolofou community and TNPC, Falaymaka’s dream is becoming a reality as she prepares to compete in Paris.
Falemaka and TNPC are currently seeking support to raise funds to cover the cost of travel to the Paris Olympics. TNPC can be contacted at 6768788288 and its website is www.paralympic.org.to
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