International referees Tevita Rokovereni and Lavenia Racaca marked a significant milestone at the first-ever Fiji Rugby Referees Awards held on Saturday, where they were honored as the Male and Female Referee of the Year, respectively. The awards were presented by Fiji Rugby Union chairman John Sanday for Rokovereni and Miss Fiji, Dr. Peggy Ravusiro, for Racaca.
In a heartfelt moment during the awards ceremony, Rokovereni shared an inspiring message with aspiring referees, emphasizing resilience in the sport: “You get knocked down a couple of times, but you stand up, fight hard and that’s life.” His words resonate with many in the sports community, highlighting the importance of perseverance.
Meanwhile, Racaca expressed deep emotion upon receiving her award, noting that she was filled with tears of joy as her name was announced. However, the moment was bittersweet, as she felt the absence of her mother, who was unable to attend the ceremony due to an injury.
This inaugural awards event not only recognized the achievements of these dedicated referees but also celebrated the spirit of resilience and the supportive networks that sustain athletes in their journeys. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that success often comes hand-in-hand with challenges and sacrifices.

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