The Fiji Sports Awards on March 22 celebrated the exceptional accomplishments of the country’s top athletes, teams, and sports figures, showcasing Fiji’s rising prominence in various sports, particularly weightlifting and rugby.
Weightlifting Fiji enjoyed a stellar night, with Miriama Taletawa earning the prestigious title of Fiji Airways Sportswoman of the Year for the second consecutive year, mirroring the record held by Maria Liku from 2011 and 2012. Taletawa’s achievements this year included a bronze and silver at the Oceania Weightlifting Championships in New Zealand, as well as a silver medal from the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships held in Suva.
The event highlighted the emerging young talent in the sport, with Nehemiah Elder, at just 15years old, winning the Young Male Athlete of the Year award. He broke records and secured gold and silver medals at both the Oceania and Commonwealth Championships, becoming the number one ranked weightlifter in the Commonwealth’s U17 and Under 20 divisions. Mereia Turaganivalu, recognized as the Young Female Athlete of the Year, also made significant strides with her gold and bronze medals at these Championships.
Della Shaw, President of Weightlifting Fiji, received the ONOC Hanisi Erasito Administrator of the Year award, acknowledging her transformative leadership and successful efforts in securing funding for major international events in Fiji.
Rugby also earned accolades, with Selestino Ravutaumada being named Fiji Airways Sportsman of the Year. His accomplishments included significant contributions to his team in the Super Rugby quarterfinals, winning the Pacific Nations Cup with the Flying Fijians, and securing a silver medal as part of the Fiji 7s team at the Paris Olympics.
The Flying Fijians were proud recipients of the FBC Fiji Team of the Year title, concluding a remarkable year that saw them ranked ninth in the world after victories in key tournaments.
In addition to these achievements, Lavenia Naivida Racaca was recognized as SportsWorld Technical Official of the Year, making history as the first female referee from Fiji to officiate at the HSBC World 7s Series and the Olympic Games in Paris.
The coaching accolades went to Fred Fatiaki, awarded as Fiji Water Coach of the Year for his work with the Paralympic Athletics program. His guidance paved the way for athletes to qualify for the upcoming Paris Paralympics, including standout performances from Nabili Vatunisolo, who set a new Oceania record in shot-put.
Additionally, Maria Alvarado was awarded Volunteer of the Year for her vital role in expanding gymnastics in schools through community collaborations, while Baljeet Singh from The Fiji Times Limited was recognized with the Sports Photograph of the Year award for his dramatic capture of Ravutaumada’s try during a match.
The Fiji Football Association was celebrated as the Fiji Bitter Sports Organisation of the Year for their remarkable achievements, including a historic participation in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup and the qualification of the Under 16 men’s team for the Under 17 World Cup.
The 2024 Fiji Sports Awards served as a celebration of hard work, talent, and dedication within Fiji’s sports community. It highlighted not only the successes of the athletes but also the hopeful prospects as Fiji continues to make its mark on the global sports scene, fostering an environment for future generations to thrive in sports.
Leave a comment