Lami came to life last Saturday as residents gathered to celebrate the remarkable victory of the Lami High School U19 rugby team. Despite the morning drizzle, the community’s enthusiasm was palpable as they paraded from RB Patel Harbour Point, along Queen’s Highway, and up Lami Village Road toward the school.
What began as a small group of over 50 people quickly grew in number as they made their way through the village. Individuals of all ages, from children to the elderly, donned Lami colors to show their support for the team. Women joined in the celebration, dancing joyfully in their traditional sulu and jaba, creating a festive atmosphere that will be long remembered.
During the festivities, Turaga na taukei Vuo Kolinio Nakarawa expressed his gratitude to the Lami High School management and the rugby team, declaring that a new era had commenced for Lami. He encouraged everyone to look around at the unity the victory had fostered among families and the wider community.
Alumni traveled from as far as Vatukoula to partake in the celebration. School principal Naisa Cama shared his excitement, stating that positive changes were on the horizon for Lami, calling this victory the beginning of even greater achievements.
Old scholars who attended the school in the 1960s and 1970s also participated, sharing in the palpable excitement. Vereti Dumaru, vice-president of the Lami High School Old Scholars, noted that alumni once hesitated to wear their school uniform publicly, but now, they take pride in it once again.
To honor the players’ dedication, each received an envelope and a certificate, commemorating their hard work and achievement. The rugby team overcame numerous challenges to secure their victory, and Dumaru assured them that their story would be treasured in the years to come. He remarked, “You are now champions, but we will always remember you as the giantslayers.”