Lenoa calls for respect, best effort
Team Fiji athletes were welcomed in Oita and had a combined prayer session on Sunday night.
Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee president, Makarita Lenoa addressed and briefed Team Fiji on protocols and being good ambassadors of the country.
She thanked everyone for their commitment not only to their sport but also to Fiji.
“It is an honour for me to be speaking to you as Olympians. This is the first Olympics for me, and to be here to address you is indeed a privilege and honour,” she said.
“We are all here representing our country, our beloved Fiji, as members of Team Fiji. We all are aware of what is being said. We are here for a purpose that you have made a decision a few years back.
“And that decision was a committed decision to see you through to this moment.
“But this moment is only part of the journey, we are still moving on.
“We are not here as tourists, we are here to display the very best of our effort,” Lenoa added.
“We’ve been helped by our coaches, management team who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. But it’s you, the athletes, your discipline is called upon with great commitment at this moment.
“It’s your respect for the rules, it’s your respect for yourself and it’s your respect to each and everyone.”
She reminded everyone that “we are here on a mission. To be the best we can be.”
She thanks the families of the athletes who have made sacrifices along the way.