Labasa players eye ‘23 Summer Games
Labasa Special School teams are hopeful that some of their players will be part of the 2023 World Summer Games in Germany.
The Northerners are in Suva to participate in the Special Olympics Fiji Unified National Netball and Football Tournament in Suva, yesterday.
Speaking to SUNports team manager Unaisi Silivale said the athletes had been motivated by their team-mate Kishan Goundar, who participated in Dubai last year. “When boys came over here to play they have set their goals to win the seven- a-side tournament and to make it to the national side,” she said.
“We have the talent and potential and most of them are motivated by Kishan’s achievement.
“They are all playing their hearts out with the hope that some of them will be selected into the team.”
Special Olympics Fiji Sports director Robin Dayal says the tournament is played as a trial for players who wish to represent Fiji.
“We are looking to take 304 athletes and 60 officials to the 2023 Summer Games in Germany.
“This competition also marks our first talent identification as we start preparing for the 2023 World summer Games.
“We have a lot of talented players to choose from and the competition will be tougher because most of the players will want to make the cut.” Dayal said apart from Suva they had teams from Rabi, Savusavu, Labasa, Suva, Nadroga, Lautoka and Serua.
“The outcome is good and we are slowly identifying some players that will be in the squad,” he added.