Athlete Naece Vatanitawake from Yasawa is embracing the excitement of the Fiji Primary Schools Tuckers Ice Cream Games held at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium. Despite the challenges he faced traveling from the remote village of Yasawa-i-Rara, Vatanitawake expressed his determination to excel and secure medals in the competition.
Describing the contrast between village life and the urban environment of Suva, he highlighted how much more accessible everything is in the city. He noted, “Everything is accessible here, back in the village we have to look for things to feed ourselves.” His passion for sprinting shines through, as he credited his success to divine strength, stating how much he enjoys participating in competitions.
Vatanitawake also revealed the obstacles faced by their athletics team during preparation, including financial constraints and rigorous training sessions. He mentioned that despite these difficulties, they remained hopeful about their prospects in the event, buoyed by their belief in one another.
Additionally, Vatanitawake celebrated his recent academic achievements, having been named the dux of Bukama village school and passing the Fiji Year Eight examination. His family is thrilled by his accomplishments and plans to host a celebration in his honor.
In encouraging his peers, he emphasized the importance of balancing academics and sports, inspiring young athletes to work diligently in both areas. Aspiring to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Caleb Muntz, he shared his ambition to become a part of the Flying Fijians rugby team in the future.
Overall, Vatanitawake’s journey exemplifies resilience and dedication, serving as a beacon of hope for many young students from remote areas in Fiji. His story is a reminder that with hard work, support, and faith, one can overcome hardships and achieve both academic and athletic success.
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