Repeka Koroi and Veronika Rabuliwaisavu from Vudibasoga Catholic School in Seaqaqa, Macuata, have received full scholarships from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) High School to further their education. Their impressive achievements at the 2024 Tuckers Ice-Cream Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Championships last month were the key to this opportunity.
Koroi, hailing from Korovuli Village, earned two gold medals in the Under-14 girls’ 800m and 1500m finals. Meanwhile, Rabuliwaisavu, from Lomaloma Village, secured gold in the Under-13 girls’ 400 meters final and a silver medal in the Under-13 girls’ 200 meters final. The two athletes expressed their gratitude to their coach, Iosefo Apisai from Nasealevu Village, for his support in their training.
Coach Apisai shared his pride in his students’ accomplishments and highlighted the benefits of their hostel arrangement, which facilitated focused training. He implemented a rigorous training schedule, resulting in his students achieving the highest number of medals—five gold, three silver, and two bronze—among the twelve schools in Macuata South.
Repeka, who was the Year Eight dux at her school, aspires to become a primary school teacher. She dedicated her success to her father, Epeli Balawa, expressing heartfelt thanks for supporting her scholarship ambition. “My dream is to represent Fiji in the Olympic Games, and I know with the support from Jesus, I can do all things,” she stated.
Veronika, at just 13 years old, shared her joy at being the first in her family to earn a gold and silver medal and to receive a scholarship in Suva. “My father, a yaqona farmer, is so happy and has given me his blessings to do what I love, which is to run on the track,” she said, emphasizing the honor of representing a prestigious school.
Inoke Biaunisala, head teacher of Vudibasoga Catholic School, expressed his happiness over the students’ achievements. He noted that last year, only one student was awarded a scholarship through athletics, while this year saw an encouraging increase. “Our aim now for next year is to prepare more students for similar opportunities,” he added.
Additionally, Biaunisala acknowledged other medal winners from the school, including bronze medalists Solomone Togoaciri and Ester Natoni, as well as silver medal recipients Sakapo Lekileki and Grace Vunibola, who secured gold in the Under-9 long jump.
This inspiring story highlights the dedication of young athletes and the support from their families and educators. With opportunities like scholarships, these talented individuals have a bright future ahead in both academics and sports, promising a hopeful outlook for future generations in athletics.
In summary, Repeka Koroi and Veronika Rabuliwaisavu’s accomplishments at the athletics championships not only showcase their individual talent but also reflect the strong support system surrounding them, embodying hope and potential for aspiring young athletes in the region.
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