Naec Vatanitawake, a dedicated athlete from Yasawa, is fully immersed in the Fiji Primary Schools Tuckers Ice Cream Games, held yesterday at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium. Traveling from his village of Yasawa-i-Rara presented its challenges, but Vatanitawake remains focused and determined to earn medals for his team.
He expressed the significant differences between life in Suva and his village, emphasizing the accessibility of resources in the city. “Here, everything is accessible, whereas in the village, we have to search for ways to feed ourselves,” he noted. His passion for sprinting makes the competition enjoyable, and he is grateful for the strength to participate.
Despite facing numerous hurdles during their preparation—particularly a lack of financial support and intensive training—Vatanitawake and his team have maintained their faith in their ability to succeed. Family support remains strong, with his parents encouraging him to enjoy the experience.
Vatanitawake’s achievements have been notable; he felt humbled to be named the dux of Bukama village school, an honor he did not expect, and his family is planning a feast to celebrate this milestone. He also successfully completed the Fiji Year Eight examination.
In his message to peers, Vatanitawake encourages a balance between academics and sports, advising those who may struggle academically to find strength in athletics. His aspirations extend into rugby, where he plays as a first-five eighth and looks up to Flying Fijians player Caleb Muntz, hoping to join the ranks of the national team in the future.
This story highlights the resilience and commitment of young athletes like Vatanitawake, who navigate challenges with determination and a positive outlook. His journey exemplifies the importance of hard work and support in realizing dreams, both in sports and education.
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