Build-up to World News Day
SIMIONE HARAVANUA – OUR MAN IN THE SPORTING FIELD
In the lead up to World News Day on the 28th of September, we will be featuring some of our own and the work that they do.
Dedication and sacrifice sums up their attitude. Their work is not for the weak and those who give-up easily.
It’s about being strong-willed to find the truth and take whatever negative comments that are hurled at you both online and in person.
Our Sports journalist SIMIONE HARAVANUA has had his fair share of online hate and abuse.
But he knows it’s all part of the package when in this deadline driven industry.
ABOUT SIMIONE HARAVANUA
He worked at the Vatukoula Gold Mines Limited as an ANFO or Ammonium nitrate mixer.
He was based at the mining tower from 2011 to 2012 as he raised money to pay his university fees.
Before joining the Fiji Sun in 2018, Simi spent time at the Department of Information and The Fiji Times on work attachment.
He was also the first news presenter and writer for MIX FM in Lautoka.
Apart from attaining a Diploma in Media and Journalism, Public Relations from the Fiji National University in 2017, he also completed a Certificate in Sports Science at the same university last year.
He also pursued his passion in rugby and was one of the Strength and Conditioning Coaches for current INKK Mobile Farebrother Trophy holders Naitasiri.
Why are you passionate about Journalism?
“It was always a childhood dream for me to become a Sports Journalist,” he said.
“I was supposed to join journalism school and the media industry a long time ago, but unfortunately I had to look after my sick father for some time before I worked in a mining company for my tertiary fee.
“It was a challenging few years - but faith, hope, patience and hardwork has carved the Sports Journalist that I am today.
“I didn’t loose hope and kept chasing my dreams and seasoned sports reporters that appear on television and papers back in the day because I know that I have a good sports background that can back-up my dream job.
“I was always into radio and television and even ended up doing commentary for my peers back in the village during kava sessions and family gatherings and whenever there’s a rugby or football match.
“I’ve always thought of joining the radio and TV industry, but my calling was really the print medium.
“Writing would be a casual thing for me until I met my Journalism lecturer Elia Vesikula who saw the passion and potential in me and made arrangements to join his class of 2015.”
What story/photograph are you proudest of and why?
“Apart from sports stories concerning team preparations and players profiling, Super Rugby, Skipper Cup competition, NRC, Netball and analysing teams and their performance, my most memorable story was about the Fiji 7s side kick-off,” he said.
“Olympian Jasa Veremalua from the US reached out with his concerns about retaining restarts and how vital it was towards our 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
“I pursued this story and published a number of articles to support and help our boys improve in that area.
“The article was backed and, quickly recognised by double gold medalist Seremaia (Jerry) Tuwai and head coach Gareth Baber who for the remainder of the preparations stressed and worked on restarts besides other aspects of training.
“Coach Baber and his men started to take the article seriously and worked tirelessly in improving it.
“I was called, scolded by some rugby gurus, but I wanted to help the boys achieve the unthinkable at the Olympic Games.
“Winning our second Olympic gold medal was a proud day for all Fijians, the Fiji sevens team and for me personally.”
Why is journalism important?
“The purpose and importance of journalism is to inform society with the information they need to live their lives. Without journalism, the world would be ignorant.
“People need to know what is happening around them so we are the watchdogs for the community in raising their concerns and voices to those in power.
“Through the media people become aware of events and issues occurring around them. As a result, they make educated decisions.”