Former Jasper Williams High School student Melania Turaga has embarked on a significant new chapter in her athletic career with the award of a prestigious scholarship.
The scholarship, provided by the Oceania Australia Foundation and Oceania National Olympic Committee, will enable the 20-year-old athlete to train in the USA, where she can take advantage of superior facilities.
Although she initially harbored a passion for rugby, it was the encouragement from her family and her coach, Makelesi Bulikiobo, that led her to focus on athletics.
“Athletics was not my first choice as a young girl since I was more into rugby,” Turaga said. “But through the encouragement of my family, I realized my talent for athletics, and having support from athletic greats like my coach Makelesi Bulikiobo made a difference.”
“This scholarship is a huge blessing not only for me but also for my family,” added the Ra native.
The scholarship will allow Turaga to attend Neosho College, where she plans to balance her sporting goals with academic pursuits in Sustainable Energy.
“Athletics has helped me reach this point, but I know I will need to work hard to excel both in sports and in my studies. I hope to make the most of my time at Neosho College,” she said.
Turaga will be joined by 2023 Pacific Games High Jump gold medalist Rusiate Matai, who has also been awarded the scholarship.
Previous beneficiaries of the joint Oceania Australia Foundation and Oceania National Olympic Committees Scholarship include athletes like Kaiava Francis, Younis Bese, and Fane Sauvakacolo.