RATU Nemani Memorial School in Momi village celebrated a joyful occasion as they received 78 pairs of rugby and netball uniforms, thanks to the generous support from the Fiji Life Foundation Support Grassroot Rugby. This donation was made possible through the initiative of local representative Kaiyava Salusalu, whose children attend the school.
The inspiration for this donation arose when Salusalu heard from the village spokesperson about the need for families to contribute $15 towards new sports uniforms. Recognizing the need, Salusalu decided to support the school directly, explaining, “If our group can sponsor other schools, why not support this one where my own children are schooling?” His outreach to the foundation led to quick approval for the uniforms.
The presentation event was a highlight for the school community, which came together to celebrate with a feast. Salusalu’s children, John Toe and Julie Salusalu, had the honor of officially presenting the uniforms. Headteacher Joave Qarau recognized the significant impact of this support on the school’s sports development, emphasizing the importance of sports in helping students discover their talents and explore various paths beyond academics.
Despite its modest size, with only 76 students, Ratu Nemani Memorial School has excelled both academically and athletically, achieving a 100 percent pass rate in last year’s Fiji Eighth Year Examination. The school has demonstrated prowess in netball, clinching titles as junior and senior champions in their North/West cluster for four consecutive years. Notably, eight students have been selected to represent Nadroga/Navosa in the upcoming 2025 Fiji Primary School Netball IDC, with Year 7 student Lia Sivo excelling as the Player of the Tournament.
This initiative, aligned with efforts from the Fiji Life Foundation to enhance sports in rural schools, reflects a broader commitment to youth development through athletics. Similar efforts highlighted across the region emphasize the vital role that sports play not only in fostering talent but also in steering young people towards healthier and more productive lifestyles.
The strong community engagement in such initiatives inspires hope for the future, showcasing how collective support can pave the way for the growth and prosperity of young athletes in Fiji.
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