Repeka Koroi and Veronika Rabuliwaisavu, talented students from Vudibasoga Catholic School located in Seaqaqa, Macuata, have been awarded full scholarships to continue their education at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) High School. This opportunity comes in recognition of their exceptional performance at the recent 2024 Tuckers Ice-Cream Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Championships.
Koroi, hailing from Korovuli Village, made a remarkable impact by clinching gold medals in the Under-14 girls 800m and 1500m finals. Meanwhile, Rabuliwaisavu from Lomaloma Village excelled in her events, securing gold in the Under-13 girls 400m final and a silver medal in the Under-13 girls 200m final.
Both athletes expressed gratitude to their coach, Iosefo Apisai from Nasealevu Village, who played an instrumental role in their training. Apisai expressed pride in his students’ achievements, noting that receiving education at a Suva-based school would provide them with greater opportunities for athletic development. Under his guidance, the team from Macuata South secured an impressive haul of medallions, including five golds, three silvers, and two bronzes, at the championships.
Repeka, who aspires to become a primary school teacher and was the Year Eight dux, dedicated her successes to her father, Epeli Balawa, and shared her dream of representing Fiji in the Olympic Games. Veronika was delighted to be the first in her family to earn both silver and gold medals while gaining a scholarship to study in Suva, with her father’s support propelling her ambitions.
Inoke Biaunisala, head teacher of Vudibasoga Catholic School, expressed satisfaction with the school’s growth in athletic representation, noting an increase in scholarship recipients compared to the previous year. He emphasized the school’s commitment to ongoing preparation for future students seeking similar opportunities.
In addition to Koroi and Rabuliwaisavu, the school witnessed success from other athletes: bronze medalists Solomone Togoaciri and Ester Natoni, silver medalist Sakapo Lekileki in the Under-13 boys 1500m and 800m finals, as well as gold winners Grace Vunibola in the Under-9 long jump and Rufina Digadai in the Under-12 girls 800m final.
The achievements of these young athletes not only inspire their peers but also highlight the importance of dedication in both academics and sports. Their stories serve as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to pursue their dreams with determination and perseverance.
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