The Total Teams Wellbeing and Leadership Workshops for the Tongan National Olympic Committee (NOC) and Athletes’ Commission (AC) delivered a transformative experience for athletes, coaches, and stakeholders. Over three days, participants engaged in reflective, skill-building, and collaborative activities that aligned with Tongan cultural values and promoted inclusivity, resilience, and leadership.
Presented in partnership with OSFO and led by Dame Valerie Adams, Edwina Ricci, and Palu Uhatahi Tu’amoheloa, the workshops emphasised the importance of mental, emotional, and social wellbeing, providing practical tools to help athletes thrive in their personal and sporting lives. Valerie’s inspiring stories of perseverance captivated participants, while Edwina’s practical strategies and Palu’s cultural insights ensured relevance and engagement.
Key achievements included the development of personalised wellbeing plans, the amplification of athlete voices through Talanoa sessions, and the creation of actionable strategies to address barriers and promote inclusivity. Participants left the workshops empowered as ambassadors for wellbeing and safety, ready to inspire their communities. These workshops mark a significant step forward in positioning Tonga as a leader in fostering a thriving, inclusive sporting culture.
“These workshops empowered Tongan athletes to take ownership of their wellbeing and leadership roles,” said Edwina Ricci, Director of Total Teams. “Through a blend of cultural alignment, practical strategies, and collaborative planning, participants developed the skills and confidence to advocate for systemic change, fostering a supportive and thriving sporting community.”
“This is the first of what we hope will be ongoing workshops in the region to compliment the safeguarding and showcase our athlete wellbeing champions.”
For more information, please view the final report and executive summary/relay questions.