Repeka Koroi and Veronika Rabuliwaisavu, students at Vudibasoga Catholic School in Seaqaqa, Macuata, have achieved a remarkable milestone by being awarded full scholarships from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) High School to continue their education. This honor follows their impressive performances at the 2024 Tuckers Ice-Cream Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Championships held last month.
Koroi, hailing from Korovuli Village, earned two gold medals in the Under-14 girls’ 800m and 1500m finals. Meanwhile, Rabuliwaisavu from Lomaloma Village secured a gold medal in the Under-13 girls’ 400 meters and a silver in the Under-13 girls’ 200 meters.
The talented pair expressed gratitude towards their coach and teacher, Iosefo Apisai of Nasealevu Village, who dedicated time to train them alongside other hostel students. Apisai expressed pride in the success of his students and highlighted that Vudibasoga Catholic School achieved the highest medal count among the 12 schools in Macuata South, collecting five gold, three silver, and two bronze awards.
Repeka, who excelled academically as the Year Eight valedictorian, aspires to become a primary school teacher. She dedicated her achievements to her father, Epeli Balawa, acknowledging his support for her scholarship aspirations. “My dream is to represent Fiji in the Olympic Games. I believe that with Jesus’ support, I can accomplish anything,” Repeka said.
Veronika, 13, shared her excitement as the first in her family to receive both a silver and gold medal, along with a scholarship to study in Suva. “My father, a yaqona farmer, is thrilled and has encouraged me to pursue my passion for running,” Veronika stated. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent a prestigious institution.
School head teacher Inoke Biaunisala expressed satisfaction with the growing number of students gaining scholarships through athletic competitions, noting last year one female student was selected, while this year two have been awarded. Biaunisala emphasized the school’s commitment to preparing future students for similar achievements.
Additionally, he acknowledged other medal winners from Vudibasoga Catholic School, including bronze medal recipients Solomone Togoaciri and Ester Natoni, silver medalist Sakapo Lekileki in the Under-13 boys’ 1500m and 800m finals, as well as gold medalists Grace Vunibola in the Under-9 long jump and Rufina Digadai in the Under-12 girls’ 800m final.
This encouraging story highlights the potential of young athletes in Fiji and the opportunities available through dedication and hard work. With continued support from their community and educators, Repeka and Veronika’s dreams of achieving greatness, both academically and athletically, can surely come true.
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