Abdul Shariff won the first gold medal for Fiji at the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles.

Shariff won gold in the 400metres Division 15 category.

He clocked 1min: 02.38sec to grab gold and finished ahead of Li, Ming-Che of Chinese Taipei who recorded 1:02.85 and Saunders Shemar of Jamaica won bronze medal with a time of 1: 04.58.

Fiji’s second medal was won by Iferemi Biutisuva in the men’s 200m final. He won silver medal in 25.88sec finishing behind South Seas brother Mavaega Seinafooliva of Samoa who clocked 25.36sec. Meenan James of Ireland won bronze with a time of 26.13secs.

Speaking from Los Angeles yesterday Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Iliesa Delana was proud of the duo’s achievement.

“With Shariff winning the first gold medal for Fiji we are very happy and emotional.

“The athletes gave all their best and we are very impressed with their performances as they have made Fiji proud,” Delana said.

“This is indeed proof that Fiji’s special athletes and paralympians can become world class athletes.”

Team manager Bishwa Sidal said this was a proud moment for them.

“This is a proud moment for Fiji we never really anticipated winning a medal here in Los Angeles.

“We came here to show to the world that our Government recognises unity and inclusiveness for people with special needs back home. And the gold medal achievement is indeed a bonus for Team Fiji,” Sidal said.

The athletes are now looking forward to their 4x100m relay event.

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