Lautoka beach volleyball duo Laite Nima and Sera Speed are shattering stereotypes surrounding age and motherhood, as they compete at a high level in the FVF Beach Volleyball series. Held at Laucala Bay in Suva, the duo showcased their resilience and determination against younger opponents while vying for a spot on the Fiji squad for the imminent Pacific Mini Games in Palau.
Having previously participated in the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, Nima and Speed are on a mission not only for personal success but also to inspire other mothers and young athletes, particularly in the Western Division where access to beach volleyball facilities remains limited. “We are mothers, and we are proud to represent the West,” Nima expressed, emphasizing the message they want to convey to both their children and the wider community: that dedication and commitment can pave the way to competing at elite levels despite any personal circumstances.
For Speed, who found her passion for beach volleyball during her time in Australia, the sport represents a blend of competition and freedom. “I’ve always loved the outdoors and beach volleyball felt natural to me,” she noted. As competitors in a sport that has largely been concentrated in Suva, Nima and Speed face unique challenges navigating their path to national selection, with Speed highlighting the untapped talent in the West due to the lack of infrastructure and support.
Despite being among the oldest players in the competition, both athletes refuse to be sidelined. “We’re not here to make up the numbers. We’re here to compete,” Nima stated, affirming their ambition in the face of adversity.
Their efforts resonate with a broader movement within Fiji’s sporting community to cultivate talent irrespective of age or background, a sentiment echoed by other emerging beach volleyball players and teams across the nation. As they strive for a position on the national team, Nima and Speed symbolize a hopeful narrative for aspiring athletes, showcasing both the potential for personal achievement and the importance of community support in fostering participation and success in local sports.
This reflects a promising trend in Fiji’s sports culture where women are increasingly taking prominent roles and establishing new benchmarks in athleticism, bringing hope for future generations.
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