Naeca Vatanitawake, a dedicated athlete from Yasawa, is fully embracing the Fiji Primary Schools Tuckers Ice Cream Games held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. He expressed the challenges of making the long journey from his village of Yasawa-i-Rara to compete, emphasizing their hard work and aspirations for medals in the competition.
Vatanitawake highlighted the stark contrasts between life in Suva and his village, noting the ease of accessing resources in the city. “Here, everything is accessible; back in the village, we have to search for our food,” he explained. Despite these challenges, he expressed joy in participating in the sprints, attributing his strength to compete to a higher power.
The athlete shared the struggles his athletics team faced during their preparations, citing a lack of financial support and the rigorous nature of their training. However, he and his team remained hopeful and confident in their potential for success. Vatanitawake also shared the encouragement he received from his parents, who urged him to enjoy the experience.
He celebrated his recent academic achievement as the dux of Bukama village school and the completion of the Fiji Year Eight examination, highlighting the pride his family felt and the celebrations to follow. In his message to fellow students, he encouraged them to excel in both academics and sports, advising those who struggle academically to consider engaging in sports.
Additionally, Vatanitawake has a passion for rugby, playing as a first-five eight and expressing admiration for Flying Fijians player Caleb Muntz. He aspires to follow in Muntz’s footsteps and represent Fiji at the highest levels of rugby.
This story not only showcases the resilience and ambition of youth athletes like Vatanitawake but also serves as an inspiring reminder of how determination can lead to success, both academically and athletically. His journey highlights the importance of support from family and community, as he aims to balance his passions and inspire others along the way. The future looks promising for young talents like Naeca, who continue to dream big and strive for excellence in all areas of their lives.
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