DUTY CALLS FOR OUR SPORTS PEOPLE
These sportswomen and men continue to serve the nation with honor and pride, lets continue to show our support to these great men and women.
Our rugby, netball, football and rugby league players who are members of the Republic of Military Forces, National Fire Authority, Correction Services and Fiji Police Force were out helping people after the aftermath of Cyclone Harold. Some were rescuing people from their flooded homes while others manned check points at lockdown areas due to the coronavirus threat.
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s speedsters Aminiasi Tuimaba, Alosio Naduva and Kaiviti Silktails dummy half Alipate Natobe were among soldiers who helped clear debris left behind by Cyclone Harold.
Natobe, Tuimaba and Naduva are part of the RFMF’s Third Fiji Infantry (3 FIR) Regiment that worked at the Waidamudamu settlement in Nausori.
Residents despite their sadness because of the destruction of their homes and farms took time to meet their sevens heroes who were on duty.
It was likewise at lockdown checkpoints where policemen and 7s reps Livai Ikanikoda and Suliano Volivoli stood on guard. Co-captain Meli Derenalagi is with Fiji Navy while Josua Vakurinabili is on duty with Correction Services. Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber said that it is their duty to help out.
“Not many of the countries around the world could boast having individuals who could play international rugby at the same time being called into action for their country in time of need.
“For me personally it’s great to have discipline around the players and their understanding of what it means to connect themselves on what they have to do for the wider Fijian community and the country.”
“This is Putting them in position where they make decisions to be calm, controlled and how they approach situations.
“And what discipline that would be and for me when I talk bout players physically, developing what better way to do that than being exposed to a disciplined force like the Army, Police, Fire and Warden where these boys have to think beyond rugby and think about w h a t it means to the greater good of the country so I’m very proud to see those boys out there,” he said. Baber said the impact of this would come in handy when the team come together for the next tournament.
“We’ll try and show that discipline on and off the field as well,” he added. Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun. com.fj