SPORTS

President: Help Promote Fiji

President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote reminded Team Fiji the importance of their role as they participate in the 2018 Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast on April 4-15. Team Fiji
21 Mar 2018 10:14
President: Help Promote Fiji
President Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote and First Lady Sarote Konrote with members of Team Fiji at Borron House on March 20, 2018. Photo: Simione Haravanua

President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote reminded Team Fiji the importance of their role as they participate in the 2018 Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast on April 4-15.

Team Fiji sought traditional blessing from the President at Borron House in Suva.

“Congratulations to all of you for making it into Team Fiji. I am informed that we have a total of over 140 athletes and officials representing 12 sports,” President Konrote said.

“This is compared to 42 athletes and officials representing six sports at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland in 2014.

“And only six representatives in bowling when Fiji debuted at the 1938 Commonwealth Games.

“I am very happy to note that the composition of the team has grown as well. There are 49 females and 47 males that make up Team Fiji to this year’s games. Special congratulations to all the female representatives, and to all women and girls in general.

“The increase in the size of Team Fiji in both athletes and officials, as well the number of sports, is a huge achievement in as far as the development of sports in the country is concerned.

“I am sure the president of FASANOC, Joseph Rodan Senior would love to see more numbers, but this of course will always be work in progress for our country.

“For this year’s Games, the big contingent is a reflection of our growth as a Nation.

“For sports in particular, the country is committed to harnessing the natural talent of our sportspeople like you, and to enhancing your skills, knowledge, and competitive edge.

“As a nation, we are trying to leave behind a lasting legacy for our future generations. As members of our national team, you are actually part of the legacy of our maturity as a nation.

“Please continue to be active in sports and help promote a fit and healthy nation. We can do this together for our sportspeople and for our nation as a whole.

“Congratulations once again for making it into Team Fiji, and on behalf of all Fijians, I wish you all a resoundingly successful outing and a safe journey to and from the Commonwealth Games.”

Vaivai is Fiji’s flag bearer

Apolonia Vaivai will be Team Fiji’s flag-bearer at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast on April 4-15.

The announcement was made by Team Fiji chef de mission Patrick Bower yesterday.

Vaivai was Fiji’s lone medal recipient in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and won bronze in the 75kg.

The Taveuni native will compete in the 69kg category and aims for another good performance.

“I’m ready to go one step up from 2014 and winning gold tops my list,” Vaivai said.

“I want to thank my family for their support, my friends and Weightlifting Fiji family for continuously striving for success in the sporting field.”

Vaivai participated at the 2017 Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu and won three gold medals in the women’s 75Kg weight category. She lifted 95Kg in the snatch to win gold and also set a new Pacific Games record for the snatch.

In the Clean and Jerk she secured gold with her opening lift of 110Kg. She had a total lift of 205kg.”

 Edited by  Osea Bola

 

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