Repeka Koroi and Veronika Rabuliwaisavu, students from Vudibasoga Catholic School in Seaqaqa, Macuata, have been awarded full scholarships by Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) High School following their outstanding performance at the 2024 Tuckers Ice-Cream Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Championships held last month.
Koroi impressively secured two gold medals in the Under-14 girls’ 800m and 1500m finals, while Rabuliwaisavu earned gold in the Under-13 girls’ 400 meters final and a silver medal in the 200 meters final. The pair expressed their gratitude to their coach and teacher, Iosefo Apisai from Nasealevu Village, Macuata, who played a pivotal role in their success.
Coach Apisai expressed pride in his students’ achievements and highlighted the advantages of their hostel arrangement, which allowed him to conduct focused training sessions throughout the year. His coaching efforts contributed to the school winning the highest medal tally among 12 schools in Macuata South, including five gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.
Repeka, who aspires to become a primary school teacher, was recognized as her Year Eight dux. She dedicated her success to her father, Epeli Balawa, and shared her dream of representing Fiji at the Olympic Games, expressing confidence in divine support. Meanwhile, Veronika was thrilled to be the first in her family to achieve such medal accolades and scholarship recognition, noting her father’s pride in her accomplishments.
The head teacher of Vudibasoga Catholic School, Inoke Biaunisala, expressed satisfaction with this year’s outcomes, mentioning that last year, only one female student obtained a scholarship through similar competition, and this year, the trend is encouraging. Biaunisala aims to further prepare students for future opportunities.
This inspiring story illustrates the importance of support—both from educators and family—as a driving force behind these young athletes’ success, paving the way for their futures in education and sports. The achievements of Koroi and Rabuliwaisavu serve as a beacon of hope and motivation for other students in their community.
In summary, this article highlights the success of two talented young athletes from Fiji, showcasing their hard work, supportive coaching, and the positive impact of educational opportunities. Their determination to excel sets a powerful example for youth everywhere.
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