The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has launched a 30-minute television sports show celebrating the achievements of Pacific Island athletes across the world.
That Pacific Sports Show is hosted by NSW State of Origin and Olympic 7s rugby union player, Tiana Penitani (pictured), who is of Tongan heritage.
Ms Penitani is joined by Dene Halatau, a former New Zealand international and National Rugby League player. Together, they will examine the big sporting issues of the week and talk to the sporting world’s most iconic Pacific personalities.
Manager of ABC Sport, Nick Morris said regular guests would include Tongan-Australian former Wallaby, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Fijian-Australian Olympic gold medallist, Ellia Green and comedy duo, Roq and Cav, who host Radio Australia’s Pacific sports radio show Can You Be More Pacific.
“Pacific Island athletes are rightly known around the world for their skill, speed and physicality. In Australia Pacific Island athletes famously dominate rugby league and rugby union competitions,” Mr Morris said.
“That Pacific Sports Show will share the stories, meet the athletes and explore the issues affecting the region through the lens of sport.”
Acting Head of ABC International Strategy, Claire Gorman said ABC Australia reached television audiences across the Asia-Pacific region.
“We hope That Pacific Sports Show contributes to the ongoing conversations between Australia and our neighbours and fosters mutual understanding about the people and cultures of our shared Pacific region,” Ms Gorman said.
That Pacific Sports Show is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through its PacificAus Sports program which aims to build sustainable, elite sport pathways between Australia and the Pacific.
