Parents and close relatives of the members of Team Fiji rugby men’s and women’s teams gathered at Uprising Beach Resort in Pacific Harbour yesterday. One that stood out was Aliti Mata the proud mother of forward Viliame Mata.

Speaking to SUNsports, Aliti said she is still in awe that her son has made it to the Olympics.

“I’m very proud and happy for my son but I still can’t believe that he is going to the Olympic Games,” she said.

Aliti, who hails from the rugby mad province of Nadroga, says she will always cherish the moments where she stood for her son and encouraged him to keep on trying.

”I’m blessed to have a son who is humble and gone through tough times to attain such achievements. I always keep encouraging him throughout his games.”

She said Mata started playing rugby while attending Suva Grammar School before moving on to Ratu Kadavulevu School.

“After a year at RKS he went to my village to play for the Stallions. It was there in 2013 that he met Ben Ryan.

“Every time I see him play I always thank the Lord for giving me a son who loves rugby. I have got three boys in the family and Vili is the one who always listen to whatever we say, he is always quiet and very down to earth,” she said.

“In some tournaments when he doesn’t play well I always make it a point to encourage him to believe in God. Now that he is going to the Olympics, he should always be on alert and not to do those mistakes again.”

Aliti said she is grateful to God for his son’s achievements and the blessings that go with it.

“I always thank God for Vili’s life, brining him up to where he is today and I wish him and the team all the best in representing the country in Rio,” she added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua.

Feedback:  stella.moresio@fijisun.com.fj