Naeca Vatanitawake, an athlete from Yasawa, is immersing himself in the excitement of the Fiji Primary Schools Tuckers Ice Cream Games held at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Traveling from his village of Yasawa-i-Rara to participate in this event was no easy feat, as Vatanitawake reflected on the challenges faced along the way.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunities available in Suva, noting the stark contrasts between life in the city and the village, where resources can be limited. “Everything is accessible here; back in the village, we have to work harder to feed ourselves,” he shared. His passion for sprinting brings him joy and motivation, and he credits his ability to compete to his faith and gratitude to God.
Despite the difficulties faced by his athletics team, including financial constraints and rigorous training schedules, Vatanitawake remains optimistic. He feels the support of his family, who have encouraged him to enjoy the experience. Celebrating personal achievements, he proudly mentioned being named the dux of Bukama village school, an accomplishment that surprised him and brought excitement to his family, who are planning a feast in his honor.
In addition to his achievements in athletics, Vatanitawake successfully passed the Fiji Year Eight examination, and he has an encouraging message for his peers: “Work hard in both academics and sports. If you find yourself struggling in academics, lean on sports.” He also plays rugby as a first-five eight and aspires to follow in the footsteps of his favorite player, Caleb Muntz, to eventually become a member of the Flying Fijians.
This story highlights the resilience and determination of young athletes like Vatanitawake, who strive to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams through dedication and hard work. With love and support from family, and a strong drive to excel, Vatanitawake embodies the spirit of hope and perseverance that resonates deeply within the community.
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