2015 saw the Tongans win the Conference Health Department’s Biggest Winner competition for the first time taking out first and second places. Samoan winners have dominated the competition since its inception in 2010. 

The Polynesian weight loss competition, now in its seventh year, runs from February to November each year.  Not only is the competition open to Pacific Islanders, but also to Australian Aboriginal people.

Uluakimata (Ulu) Ofa, 2015 winner of return tickets to Tonga, was the first person to register for the competition in 2015 and maintained her commitment by regularly coming into the office to monitor progress. Ulu reduced her BMI by 6.8 and lost approximately 20 kilograms. When asked how she succeeded she said, “I reduced the size of meals, drank eight glasses of water rather than juice or cordial and exercised three days a week.”

Second place was taken by Ana Lolohea, Pastoral Leader of Lakemba Tongan Church, who reduced her BMI by 4.3 by losing 14 kilograms. At the graduation ceremony late last year, Ana famously challenged church leaders to also lead by example. Third place-winner, Judith Aiono, Mount Druitt Samoan Church, reduced her BMI by 3.7.

It is not too late to join this year’s competition. Why not give Lynda a call on (02) 9868 6522.

Contributed by Malcolm Rea, Director of Health Ministry at the Greater Sydney Conference