Namosimalua Sprints Towards Goals
Growing up in a house that loved to watch sports and athletics fuelled Iliesa Namosimalua’s passion for sports. From a young age, Namosimalua made the easy decision to pursue a career in the sports and fitness industry.
“Being a passionate athlete and representing Fiji in athletics fuelled my passion to excel in a career in this field,” he shared.
“I was a gold medallist at the 2005 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, represented Fiji in the 2006 Commonwealth Games in athletics and the 2007 Pacific Games.
“The desire to contribute to Fiji athletics and sports was nurtured early s and was the driving force behind my success in the field.” Namosimalua hails from Naroi, Moala in
Lau, and is the eldest of two siblings. His late father was a military officer with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and his mother was a senior education officer.
Namosimalua considers his parents the biggest motivating factor in his life.
“My parents were my biggest inspiration. Godly values and spiritual growth were instilled in me from childhood.
“I admire their desire for spiritual growth and participation with preaching and teaching activities, despite working full-time and raising a family.”
“This strong spiritual foundation assisted me in my life from being a student to my current professional career.”
Education and Career
Namosimalua completed his primary education in Veiuto Primary School and attended secondary school at Suva Grammar High School.
He represented Suva Grammar High School during the Cokes Athletics and was influential in raking in medals for the team. In 2007 and 2008, Namosimalua and the likes of Niko Verekauta helped Suva Grammar win the Boys division title.
After completing high school studies, Namosimalua was selected to be part of the team that was sent overseas to train for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Despite being one of Fiji’s 2008 Beijing Olympic medal prospects, he returned to Fiji to pursue a two-year Diploma of Teaching Course at the then Fiji College of Advanced Education (FCAE).
“This was not a hard choice to make, as I knew that FCAE [which is now part of the Fiji National University’s (FNU), College of Humanities and Education (CHE)] had mandatory practical assessments,” he shared. “After graduating in 2009 with a Diploma in Education (majoring in Physical Education and Art & Craft), my first posting was to Natabua High School as the PEMAC teacher for 3 years.”
“I later joined the Fiji National Sports Com
mission as the sports development officer.” “I then joined the Fiji National University as the sports coordinator at the Department of Student Services under the Office of the Registrar.”
“More recently, I have taken on the added role of gym supervisor of FNU’s Sports and Wellness Centre at Nasinu Campus.”
“This has been the pinnacle of my professional experience. Not only am I an integral part of this great direction toward overseeing all aspects of the Fiji University Sports Associations programme at FNU.
“I work closely with individual athletes and teams to ensure that everyone participating have an enjoyable and rewarding experience.”
“My wife, Kelera Namosimalua and two daughters Miriama and Adi Lavenia are my inspiration to excel in life,” he said proudly. “I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Physical Education and Art and Craft) at FNU.
“I am grateful for the blended mode of learning that has allowed me to work and study at the same time.”