Naeca Vatanitawake, a dedicated athlete from Yasawa, fully embraced the excitement of the Fiji Primary Schools Tuckers Ice Cream Games held at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.
Reflecting on his journey, he shared the challenges of traveling from Yasawa-i-Rara to the event, highlighting the difficulties of life in his village compared to the accessibility of resources in Suva. “It’s so hard to come all the way from the village,” Vatanitawake noted, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to compete. His passion for sprinting shines through as he considers it the most enjoyable aspect of the competition.
Despite facing significant challenges during their training, including financial constraints and rigorous preparation, Vatanitawake and his squad remained hopeful. He credited his success, including being named the dux of Bukama village school and passing the Fiji Year Eight examination, to his strong faith and hard work. “I am thankful to God that I was the dux,” he said. As a result of his accomplishments, his family is excited to celebrate with a feast.
Furthermore, Vatanitawake encourages his peers to excel in both academics and sports, suggesting that those struggling academically should consider focusing on athletics as a supplementary avenue for achievement. He also shared his aspirations to play rugby for Fiji and idolizes Flying Fijians’ Caleb Muntz.
This story highlights the resilience and determination of young athletes like Vatanitawake, who strive to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams, offering hope for future generations as they navigate similar challenges.
In summary, Naeca Vatanitawake illustrates the importance of hard work, gratitude, and perseverance, inspiring others to pursue their passions relentlessly while maintaining a balance between academics and sports.
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