Yasawa athlete Naece Vatanitawake is embracing the excitement of the Fiji Primary Schools Tuckers Ice Cream Games, held at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium. Vatanitawake expressed the challenges of traveling from his village, Yasawa-i-Rara, to participate in the event.
“The journey is tough, but competing here means everything to us,” he noted, highlighting the stark contrasts between village life and urban living. “In Suva, everything is accessible, while in the village, we often had to search for resources to sustain ourselves.”
Vatanitawake is passionate about sprinting, which he finds enjoyable and rewarding. He gives thanks for the strength to compete, despite facing numerous challenges during their preparation, including financial constraints and intense training. His perseverance is evident, as he maintains hope that their team would succeed despite these obstacles.
He shared the pride he felt after being named dux of Bukama village school, a distinction he initially doubted he could achieve. His family’s excitement over the honor will be celebrated with a feast, and he also recently passed the Fiji Year Eight examination.
Vatanitawake encourages his peers to balance their academic efforts with sports, advising those who struggle academically to lean into athletics as a supportive outlet. He also plays rugby as a first-five-eight and expresses ambitions to follow in the footsteps of his favorite player, Caleb Muntz, aspiring to become a Flying Fijian in the future.
This inspiring narrative not only showcases Vatanitawake’s dedication to sports and academics but also highlights the unwavering spirit of youth in overcoming challenges and pursuing their dreams. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of hard work and resilience, particularly for young athletes balancing multiple responsibilities.
In a world that often presents obstacles, Vatanitawake stands as a symbol of hope and determination, encouraging his peers to strive for success both in the classroom and on the field.
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