Fijian athletes leaving for the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles, United States,   were challenged by the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau yesterday.

In accepting Team Fiji’s itatau (traditional ceremony seeking blessing and permission to leave the country) at Government House yesterday, Ratu Epeli called on the athletes to do their best.

“You’ve come to perform the ceremony of itatau like all the sporting teams in Fiji that have done so in the past. You are no different from them. So what I have said to them, I will say to you,” he said.

“Fiji expects you to come out victorious. That’s what Fiji wants and I know you expect that of yourselves. You’ve been training well, preparing yourselves for what you will be up against. So that is the message I’m going to tell you today.

“Now, you’re going to represent Fiji for the first time. Treat it as an adventure.

“You will be up against top athletes, but that should not dissuade you from your aim to perform to your best ability.”

He inspired the team using the 2012 London Paralympics historic gold medal victory of Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports, Iliesa Delana.

“Nothing is impossible. Focus on doing your best. You’re the first ever contingent to represent the country in the Special Olympics,” he said.

Feedback: eroni.tuinaceva@fijisun.com.fj