Lepani Drua is making personal sacrifices to ensure his son, Taito Dradradroka, has the opportunity to compete in the 2025 Coca-Cola Games Championship in Suva. To support the Vunisea Secondary School athlete, Drua and other parents from the Vunisea Athletics team decided to harvest yaqona plants from their farms, a traditional Fijian root believed to have cultural significance. This initiative aims to raise funds to enable their children to participate in the prestigious event at HFC Bank Stadium.
Drua shared that financial constraints pose a significant challenge for many families, alongside a shortage of sporting equipment necessary for training and competition. He had meticulously prepared the yaqona plants in advance, and successfully sold them right before the team’s departure for the Fiji Finals.
Despite Taito not winning any medals during the competition, Drua expressed immense pride in his son’s dedication and performance, highlighting the importance of community effort and family support in fostering the spirit of athletics. The ongoing Fiji Finals, being broadcasted live on FBC TV, showcase not only the athletic talent of students but also the underlying resilience of the community as they rally behind each competitor.
This story reflects a broader sentiment within the Fijian athletic community where parents and local supporters come together to fundraise and encourage their young athletes, emphasizing the collective spirit that thrives in Fijian sports culture. As the nation watches these athletes perform, it reinforces hope for the future of athletics in Fiji, nurturing young dreams and aspirations.
In addition to Drua’s story, it’s notable that the Vunisea Secondary School athletics team has made a successful comeback after a four-year hiatus, achieving commendable results in recent competitions. The sense of unity and support among athletes, parents, and coaches alike is evident, cultivating an environment where young talent can flourish.
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