Repeka Koroi and Veronika Rabuliwaisavu from Vudibasoga Catholic School in Seaqaqa, Macuata, have achieved remarkable success by receiving full scholarships to attend Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) High School for their further education. This recognition follows their impressive performances at the 2024 Tuckers Ice-Cream Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Championships held last month.
Koroi, hailing from Korovuli Village, excelled in the Under-14 girls category, winning gold medals in both the 800 meters and 1500 meters finals. Meanwhile, Rabuliwaisavu from Lomaloma Village captured gold in the Under-13 girls 400 meters final and a silver medal in the Under-13 girls 200 meters final. The two aspiring athletes expressed their gratitude to their coach and teacher, Iosefo Apisai, for his guidance and support.
Coach Apisai expressed pride in his students’ achievements and emphasized the benefits of their accommodation in a boarding school setting, which allowed for extensive training opportunities throughout the year. He noted that his students contributed significantly to their school’s success at the championships, where they collectively won five gold medals, three silver, and two bronze.
Repeka Koroi has aspirations of becoming a primary school teacher and was honored to be the dux of her class. She dedicated her accomplishments to her father, Epeli Balawa, while also expressing her desire to represent Fiji in the Olympic Games, inspiringly mentioning her faith in Jesus as her source of strength.
Veronika Rabuliwaisavu, 13, is thrilled to be the first in her family to earn scholarship honors and medals, attributing her success to the blessings of her father, a yaqona farmer. She expressed her excitement about the opportunity to study at a prestigious school, recognizing the significance of her hard work and dedication.
The head teacher of Vudibasoga Catholic School, Inoke Biaunisala, also celebrated their achievements, noting that the number of students receiving scholarships has increased this year compared to the last. He looks forward to continuing to prepare students for future competitions and academic challenges.
This inspiring story not only highlights the achievements of these young athletes but also underscores the importance of hard work, community support, and the potential for future success in both sports and education. With determination and guidance, the future looks bright for Repeka and Veronika, paving the way for others to follow in their footsteps.
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