Yasawa athlete Naece Vatanitawake is fully embracing the excitement of the Fiji Primary Schools Tuckers Ice Cream Games, held yesterday at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium. Reflecting on his journey from his home in Yasawa-i-Rara, he acknowledged the challenges he faced in reaching this point.
“It’s so hard to come all the way from the village,” Vatanitawake shared. He emphasized the stark differences between life in Suva, where resources are readily available, and the village, where access to necessities can be a struggle: “We have to look for things so that we can feed ourselves.”
Vatanitawake expressed his passion for sprinting, stating, “I love sprinting as it’s the fun part of being in this competition, so I’m thankful to God for giving me the strength to compete.” Despite the rigorous training and financial challenges faced by his athletics squad, he maintained optimism and faith in their ability to excel.
He also shared a personal triumph beyond athletics, revealing that he was named dux of Bukama Village School and expressed surprise at this achievement. His family is celebrating his success with a feast, and he proudly stated that he also passed the Fiji Year Eight examination.
Encouraging his peers, Vatanitawake advised, “If you find yourself weak in academic work, then lean on sports.” He also highlighted his aspirations in rugby, mentioning that he plays as a first-five-eight and admires Flying Fijians’ player Caleb Muntz, hoping to emulate him in the future.
Vatanitawake’s story is a testament to determination, celebrating the spirit of hard work and the joy of competition in the face of adversity.
Commentary: Naece Vatanitawake’s journey exemplifies resilience and ambition, serving as an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved with hard work and determination. His dual focus on academics and sports sets a positive example for young athletes everywhere, demonstrating that success comes in many forms.
Summary: Yasawa athlete Naece Vatanitawake shares his experiences at the Fiji Primary Schools Tuckers Ice Cream Games, contrasting life in Suva with his village. He reflects on the challenges faced by his athletics squad, celebrates academic success as the dux of his school, and encourages his peers to pursue both academics and sports. His aspirations in rugby further underline his dedication and dreams for the future.
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