Lawerence Fatiaki has emerged as this year’s blue ribbon gold medallist at the Tuckers Ice Cream Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Championship. The Year 8 student from Nehru Memorial Primary School showcased his talent in the under-14 100m final, clinching gold for his Suva Rua team at the HFC Bank Stadium last week.
Fatiaki, who is originally from Rotuma, also excelled in the 200m final, securing another gold medal. Expressing his excitement, he said, “I feel fantastic for winning the blue ribbon and I thank the Lord for giving me the strength to run the race and win.” His commitment to training, which he sustained since last year, played a crucial role in his victories. His mother, Heilala Anau, highlighted his determination, stating he trained consistently, even during school breaks, aiming for gold.
In addition to his achievements in the individual sprints, Fatiaki participated in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay events. The two-day championship concluded with a statement from Youth and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru, who emphasized the importance of these young athletes to Fiji’s sporting future. He commended all participants for their efforts, reminding them that they are the heartbeat of Fiji’s athletics landscape.
In competitive standings, Suva One dominated the boys’ division with a total of 12 golds, followed by Nadi and Suva Rua, while in the girls’ division, Nadi led with 18 golds, showcasing remarkable talent across all teams involved in the event.
This achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of young athletes like Fatiaki, encouraging future generations to pursue their dreams in sports. The championship served not only as a platform for competition but also as an inspiring event that fosters community spirit and nurtures the potential for a brighter athletic future in Fiji.
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