The Fiji Sports Awards held on March 22 honored the significant achievements of the nation’s premier athletes, teams, and sports leaders, effectively highlighting Fiji’s growing reputation in various sporting disciplines, particularly weightlifting and rugby.
Miriama Taletawa, for the second year in a row, clinched the title of Fiji Airways Sportswoman of the Year, joining the ranks of Maria Liku, who had previously achieved this honor in 2011 and 2012. This year, Taletawa showcased her talent by securing a bronze and silver at the Oceania Weightlifting Championships in New Zealand, along with a silver medal from the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Suva.
The event also recognized the bright future of Fijian sports, with 15-year-old Nehemiah Elder taking home the Young Male Athlete of the Year award. Elder distinguished himself by breaking records and winning gold and silver medals at both the Oceania and Commonwealth Championships, emerging as the top-ranked weightlifter in the Commonwealth’s U17 and Under 20 divisions. Mereia Turaganivalu, honored as the Young Female Athlete of the Year, also made impressive strides, earning gold and bronze medals during the Championships.
Della Shaw, President of Weightlifting Fiji, was celebrated with the ONOC Hanisi Erasito Administrator of the Year award for her exemplary leadership and commitment to securing funding for significant international competitions hosted in Fiji.
In the rugby arena, Selestino Ravutaumada was awarded Fiji Airways Sportsman of the Year, recognized for his vital contributions to his team’s performance, which included a pivotal role in the Super Rugby quarterfinals, winning the Pacific Nations Cup with the Flying Fijians, and achieving a silver medal with the Fiji 7s team at the Paris Olympics.
The Flying Fijians were acknowledged as the FBC Fiji Team of the Year, concluding an extraordinary season ranked ninth in the world following their success in key tournaments.
Additional honors included Lavenia Naivida Racaca, who made history as the first female referee from Fiji to officiate at the HSBC World 7s Series and the Olympic Games in Paris, earning her the SportsWorld Technical Official of the Year accolade. Fred Fatiaki was named Fiji Water Coach of the Year for his exceptional work with the Paralympic Athletics program, guiding athletes toward qualification for the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Nabili Vatunisolo also shone with a new Oceania record in shot-put under his coach’s guidance.
Maria Alvarado received the Volunteer of the Year award for her instrumental role in promoting gymnastics through community initiatives, while Baljeet Singh from The Fiji Times Limited won the Sports Photograph of the Year award for capturing a moment of Ravutaumada’s impressive try.
The Fiji Football Association was acknowledged as the Fiji Bitter Sports Organisation of the Year, celebrating their landmark participation in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup and the Under 16 men’s team’s qualification for the Under 17 World Cup.
The 2024 Fiji Sports Awards was a celebration of perseverance, talent, and commitment within Fiji’s sports community, showcasing not just the athletes’ achievements but also the promising future for sports in the nation. This event underscores the hopeful outlook for the next generation of athletes as Fiji continues to elevate its presence on the global sports stage.
Leave a comment