Fijian Olympian Masivesi Dakuwaqa delighted the 290 students of St John’s Primary School in Suva yesterday.

The school hosted a thanksgiving ceremony to its former student following the gold medal win from Rio.

The Cakova, Moala, Lau native also shared with students in Wailoku.

“I want to thank God for everything he has done for me and to this school,” Dakuwaqa said.

“I started my rugby career in this school, playing in the Milo Kaji competitions.

“I was not really good academically but I want to urge everyone here to work hard, set your goal whether you want to become a nurse or teacher, make sure you study hard to achieve your goal.

“I can proudly say this school has won gold from Rio,” Dakuwaqa said.

He attended the school from 2005 as a Year Five student until Year Eight.

St John’s Primary School manager/ chaplain Reverend Jone Tuiwaiwai was delighted.

“This is a minor and unprivileged school, we seldom get assistance like other schools get but producing an Olympian, a gold medallist is special,” Tuiwaiwai said.

As a token of appreciation, the school presented Dakuwaqa a plaque made by former students in Australia.

The plaque was presented to him by Archbishop Winston Halapua.

He is in the 30-man squad preparing for the World Sevens Series first round in Dubai on December 2-3.

“I’m looking forward to another season and it’s time to tune our mindset for Dubai.

“It will be another long season but I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

The 22-year old is hoping to secure an overseas contract.

Edited by Osea Bola

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