Let’s support our deaf Rugby 7s team
For the first time Fiji will be part of the major international deaf rugby competition - the World Deaf Rugby 7s in Sydney.
The participants will, therefore, be part of the history of 7s deaf rugby in the world.
This is a milestone achievement and we must congratulate the players who have trained hard to be part of our national deaf rugby team.
The team presented its itatau to the President, Major-General (Retired) Jioji Konrote.
Fiji will be represented by two teams and will play against teams from the host country, Australia, as well as from Argentina, England, Ghana, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mongolia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Wales.
The players are members of provincial clubs across the country and have been playing with other ablebodied players. This should augur well for them as they represent the nation in international events. Most of the players have engaged in planting yaqona, vegetable and root-crop farming and have contributed part of the funds for their travel to Australia through selling their produce.
They are setting an excellent example to other athletes in other sports.
President Konrote told the deaf team – “Farming is a noble way to make a living; not only are you connecting with the land, but you are also helping provide food security for you and your respective families, and you are maintaining a healthy body. These are critical ingredients to living long, healthy and happier lives.”
The President asked the players to join him in promoting a fit and healthy nation, which in turn will help reduce Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). NCDs are causing the death of 80 per cent of our people under the age of 70.
The players, according to the President, are already doing what he is asking all the athletes across Fiji. To the teams we wish you the best of luck.
The Coca-Cola Games was officially opened by Speaker of Parliament Dr Jiko Luveni yesterday. After travelling around the country the games torch entered the ANZ Stadium accompanied by students from Adi Cakobau School and Natabua High School, the defending champions.
A total of 2463 secondary school athletes are taking part in the three-day event.
Yesterday 13 gold medals were up for grabs including the 1500 metres finals, Junior Girls High Jump, Senior Boys Shot Put, Senior Girls Long Jump, Intermediate Boys Discus, Junior Girls Javelin, Intermediate Girls Triple Jump, Sub-Junior Boys Javelin and the Sub-Junior Girls Discus.
Jasper Williams High School student Alumita Diunisi won the first 2018 Coca-Cola Games gold medal at Suva’s ANZ Stadium.
She won gold after finishing first in the Junior Girl’s High Jump with a jump of 1.60 metres.
More medals will be up for grabs today and Saturday. The Fiji Police and Fiji Sports Council are on the alert and again issued their warning to spectators and participants not to break the law while at the ANZ Stadium during the Coca-Cola Games.