Lulusagos get silver
IT was a first major achievement for the Lulusago brothers yesterday after they bagged silver in the Pacific Games sailing Hobie 16 event at the Mulifanua Sheraton seaside in Samoa.
Josese Lulusago and his older brother Epeli Lulusago experienced their first Pacific Games outing together this week.
Twenty-six-year-old Epeli Lulusago said this was a memorable experience for him as he had his younger brother alongside him.
“I am so happy today and I am proud of this achievement, it made it better that my brother and I were teamed up for this event and to win a silver medal is something I will always treasure,” said Epeli.
Of the two, Epeli started sailing at a very young age after former Fijian sailor Graham Southwick introduced him to the sport.
He was then later joined by his younger brother who showed interest in the sport.
“I started sailing at a very young age, I am glad that I was neighbours with Graham Southwick who introduced me to this sport. I then started competing at competitions and found out how good I was.
“One day my younger brother (Josese) asked me if he could join, I was reluctant but I told him to scrape all the coconuts at home first then he could come watch me train. Josese did as he was told and I had to take him with me, he was a fast learner and that’s how he joined, he was just around 10 years old,” said Epeli.
Younger brother, Josese said he was proud of himself for competing for the first time and winning a medal for his country.
“I am so happy and honoured to win this medal and also with the guidance of my big brother who had been motivating me a lot. From here I would love to continue and improve and be better in this sport and represent Fiji in other international tournaments like my brother,” said Josese.
The duo dedicated their win to their parents, the people of Kalekana Village in Lami and their coach who had been their support system throughout their preparation.
“We dedicate this achievement to our parents and the people of Kalekana Village in Lami who had always supported us. Also to our coach and the Fiji Sailing body for believing in us,” said Epeli.
In the other Hobie 16 team event, Shane Brodie and Nelle Leenders scooped bronze in the individual and silver in the teams.
Amanu Simpson and Viliame Ratulu settled for bronze in the Laser standard.
We not only learnt about the spiritual side of life but the realistic side of life ... REVEREND JONE DAVULE