Freebird Institute boosted with new gymnasium

Expect more champion athletes from the Ba Provincial Freebird Institute, says chief executive officer/ chairman Hiroshi Taniguchi.

The institute officially opened its $52,000 gym located at the school yesterday.

“This partnership with JICA, will continue to grow stronger in terms of growth of sports from grassroots,” Taniguchi said. “We want to make this an Education Centre where we will teach coaches, referees, physical training, mental training, and theoretical game, even though they are injured and can’t play rugby, yet they can be coach, and referee,” he said.

He added that rugby league and union play a heartbeat in students at the school and this project will uplift their standard with weights playing an integral part in training.

“We provided the building and JICA provided the kits and equipment for the gym. We believe in these students,” he said. “Last year we did send students to various countries like Japan and South Korea and more of such projects will continue. JICA will provide a professional Japanese coach to be based here in February 2024.” Meanwhile, Bale Vetaukula will lead the Dragons Under 17 side against Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School in the semifinal clash of the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League Vodafone Cup at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori on Saturday.

On the other hand, Isoa Taqiri will lead the U15 Dragons side against Ratu Kadavulevu School in the final.

“We are overwhelmed that two teams from our school have qualified for the final, this gym will go the long way and we will of course produce more champion athletes in the future,” said Taniguchi.