Five young Fijian baseball players are currently attending the 30th World Children’s Baseball Fair in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.
The players hail from baseball-enthusiast families, with two representing the Eagles Baseball Club in Raiwai, two from Nadonumai Marines Club in Lami, and one from Central Hummingbirds Club.
Founded in 1989 by baseball legends Sadaharu Oh and Hank Aaron, along with Dr. Akiko Agishi, the fair aims to promote friendship and teamwork among children globally through baseball. The foundation’s mission is to inspire these values through international baseball events, helping kids develop skills and form lasting friendships.
The Eagles Baseball players are Litin Lee from Veiuto Primary and Teitiaki Randolph from Arya Samaj Primary. The Nadonumai players are Sakaia Tauvoli and Isoa Toduadua, both from Suva Methodist Primary, and the fifth player is Ronald Niubalavu from Stella Maris Primary.
These five players were selected by the Fiji Islands Baseball & Softball Association (FIBSA) from its development programs. The World Children’s Baseball Fair (WCBF) promotes a passion for baseball, teamwork, and friendship among young players worldwide. It includes morning clinics led by coaches appointed by the World Baseball Softball Confederation, focusing on fundamental skills in an enjoyable environment. Beyond baseball, the participants engage in cultural and recreational activities, including a homestay experience in various cities.
A Fiji Baseball Development officer accompanying the team stated, “This is a unique opportunity for our young baseball stars and promises to be a life-changing experience. We are also excited about the international relationships we’ve built with Japanese baseball, considered the best in the world.”
For this year’s event, children will be divided among nine cities, participating in baseball clinics and staying with host families. The morning clinics are conducted by coaches selected by the World Baseball Softball Confederation.