Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted the significance of sports as a unifying force that challenges athletes to excel. In a celebration honoring the accomplishments of athletes, coaches, and administrators in 2023, Rabuka referenced the renowned words of the late Nelson Mandela, underscoring the role of sports in nation-building.
“The late Nelson Mandela once said that ‘sport has the power to change the world.’ Here in Fiji, we understand this truth,” Rabuka said. “Sports have the ability to unite us, inspire us, and push us beyond our limits.”
Acknowledging a busy 2023 for sports, Rabuka noted that athletes participated in various tournaments, including the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, the Rugby World Cup in France, and the Netball World Cup in South Africa.
“Our athletes are more than just competitors; they are ambassadors for our nation, representing the hopes and dreams of all Fijians. Each time you wear the national uniform or jersey, you proudly carry our flag on the international stage,” he remarked.
During the awards ceremony, Fiji Swimming earned two accolades, with Anahira McCutcheon being named the Unit Trust of Fiji Young Female Athlete of the Year and Trisa Cheer receiving recognition as the Sports World Technical Official of the Year.
Fiji Rugby also claimed two awards, as Simon Raiwalui was honored with the FIJI Water Coach of the Year award, and the Flying Fijians were awarded Asco Motors Team of the Year.
Nehemiah Elder, Taniela Rainibogi, and Miriama Taletawa from Weightlifting Fiji were honored with three awards: Vodafone Youth Male Athlete of the Year and Fiji Sports Council Sportsman and Woman of the Year, respectively.
Netball Fiji was recognized as the Sports Organisation of the Year, Anushil Kumar from Fiji Football was awarded the ONOC Hanisi Erasito Administrator of the Year, Astral Smith was named Lawhill Wines Volunteer of the Year, and Jonacani Lalakobau from The Fiji Times won the Photograph of the Year award for 2023.