Repeka Koroi and Veronika Rabuliwaisavu, students from Vudibasoga Catholic School in Seaqaqa, Macuata, have received full scholarships from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) High School to further their education. This recognition comes on the heels of their impressive performances at the 2024 Tuckers Ice-Cream Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Championships held last month.
Koroi, hailing from Korovuli Village, made a remarkable mark by securing two gold medals in the Under-14 girls’ 800 and 1500 meter finals. Meanwhile, Rabuliwaisavu from Lomaloma Village claimed gold in the Under-13 girls’ 400 meter final and silver in the Under-13 girls’ 200 meter final. The two young athletes expressed their gratitude towards their coach, Iosefo Apisai from Nasealevu Village.
Coach Apisai shared his pride in seeing his students transition to a prestigious school in Suva, where they can dedicate more time to their sporting pursuits. He indicated that they benefited from being hostel students, which made training more seamless. This year, he implemented a structured timetable that led their team to earn the most medals—five gold, three silver, and two bronze—among 12 schools in the Macuata South area.
Repeka, who aspires to become a primary school teacher, was recognized as the Year Eight dux of her school. She dedicates her achievement to her father, Epeli Balawa, and dreams of representing Fiji in the Olympic Games, fueled by her faith. Veronika, excited to be the first in her family to earn both silver and gold medals, feels honored to have received a scholarship and aims to make her family proud.
Inoke Biaunisala, the head teacher at Vudibasoga Catholic School, expressed his satisfaction with the growth in scholarship opportunities from previous years. He also acknowledged other medal-winning students, highlighting a commitment to prepare more students for similar opportunities in the following year.
This story shines a light on the success of young athletes in Fiji and emphasizes the importance of community support and dedication in achieving educational and sporting excellence. The achievements of Koroi and Rabuliwaisavu not only inspire their peers but also showcase the potential for future greatness in sports and education. As they embark on this scholarship journey, their dreams of Olympic representation serve as a beacon of hope for young athletes everywhere.
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