Labasa recently held a heartfelt memorial for one of its celebrated athletes, David Simon Simmons, a former national soccer representative and silver medalist at the 1963 Pacific Games, who passed away early last month.
The intimate gathering featured David’s two surviving sisters, Sylvia and Emilie, along with close family and friends, symbolizing the end of an era for a man whose influence extended beyond his hometown, where he developed his soccer talent and made significant strides in various sports.
Today’s younger Fijians may not recognize David’s name, but for those who followed Fijian soccer in the 1960s and 1970s, memories of his prowess on the field evoke enthusiasm and nostalgia. A relative of David, who also reported on his story, discovered the immense impact he had on the ethnically diverse community in Fiji during a transformative period.
Jope Balawanilotu, David’s brother-in-law and a former sports journalist, reflected on how sports in Fiji at the time were steeped in racial divisions. Organizations like the Suva European Rugby Union and the Fiji Indian Football Association (FIFA) had stricter eligibility rules based on race. Despite David’s remarkable talent, he was barred from joining FIFA due to his part-European ancestry. To participate, he had to register under an assumed name, “David Zoing,” linked to a familial connection, which enabled him to play for clubs in Labasa and later in Suva while working for Marlows Ltd.
David’s skills caught the attention of Fiji selectors, who sought his inclusion in the national team for the South Pacific Games. However, complications related to his registration name led FIFA to hold a special meeting that ultimately transformed the organization into the Fiji Football Association, creating a more inclusive pathway for players of diverse backgrounds.
In retrospect, Jope recalls the 1963 gold medal final game against New Caledonia, which Fiji lost 9-2. Despite his youth, the experience left a lasting impression on him. David had taken to the field later in the game, showcasing his talent even in a tough loss, revealing to young Jope the complexities of sportsmanship and competition.
The change in the association opened doors for teams like Ba, which quickly thrived due to the inclusion of players from various racial backgrounds. Ronald Chaudhary, a soccer aficionado, compared David’s exceptional dribbling skills to that of soccer legend Maradona, emphasizing the joy he brought to fans.
Sylvester Joseph, a former Suva and national representative, fondly recalled David’s unmatched talent, recalling how witnessing his performance at the 1963 match inspired him. Other sports figures, including Hussain Sahib, lauded David as a multifaceted athlete, excelling in sports such as rugby, boxing, and golf.
Family members, including David’s nephew Brian Simmons, reminisced about their time with him, highlighting his generosity and mentorship in soccer. Even in later years, when he transitioned to golf after moving to Australia in 1973, he remained deeply connected to his family and roots in Fiji, often returning to visit his mother.
David Simmons passed away peacefully at Blacktown Hospital in Sydney, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 83. His legacy as a pioneer in Fiji’s sports landscape, both on and off the field, will be remembered fondly by those whose lives he touched.