Kiwi sporting siblings Steven and Dame Valerie Adams have gone back to their roots in support of Tongan Language Week.
In a hilarious video posted to Dame Val's Facebook page, NBA star Adams attempts to read a passage in Tongan introducing himself, akin to a mihi in te reo Māori.
The irreverent Memphis Grizzlies centre stumbles his way through the sentence, much to the amusement of his sister and family in the background, drawing a round of condescending applause upon finally completing it on the 32nd take.
The pair have Tongan heritage by way of their respective mothers, who each were in relationships with father Sid Adams.
'Sitiveni' Adams' efforts drew plenty of praise from commenters for putting in the effort, no matter how shaky the result may have been.
"So many Tongan kids will see this and know that the purpose of Tongan Language Week is to focus in on the language and learn a little more each day to encourage all to speak more Tongan," said one commenter.
"Keeping your language alive," wrote another. "Awesome."
"You know Val gave him a knock on the head after this video lol," joked a third.
Tongan Language Week takes place from Monday, September 4 until Saturday, September 10.
