Vodafone Fijian 7s captain Osea Kolinisau won the Fiji Tattslotto 2016 Fiji Sportsman of the Year award on Friday night.

Former coach Ben Ryan won the ANZ 2016 Coach of the Year, trainer Nacani Cawanibuka took out the Paradise Beverages 2016 Technical Official of the Year and the Olympic gold medal winning team scooped the SportsWorld Team of the Year award.

Kolinisau said 2016 would be remembered as a memorable year for all Fijians.

“We didn’t win gold as a 7s team, we won it for Fiji.

“We could not have achieved gold without the help of Government, businesses, sponsors and individuals that contributed to our success.

“2016 would always be a memorable year for all Fijians.

“If we are working together and having the same goal, nothing is impossible for all Fijians in achieving their targets.”

Win For My Family: Mere Rodan

Sportswoman of the Year Mere Roden dedicated her win to her family.

The Fiji Table Tennis nominee wasn’t expecting to win the award.

“I want to thank God for his blessing to me and my family.

“My family has been the backbone of my success and I dedicate this win to them,” Roden said.

Winston 44 victims

Chief guest Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama paid tribute to the 44 victims of Tropical Cyclone Winston that struck Fiji last year.

“This coming Monday marks the anniversary of that dark day in our history, the day our nation was ravaged by the strongest storm to ever reach our shores.

“And I would like to dedicate the beginning of our evening to the memories of those 44 Fijians who were taken from us so suddenly and so cruelly on that fateful day,” Bainimarama said.

He also paid tribute to the Vodafone Fijian 7s team for the most memorable victory winning gold at the Rio Olympics.

“Every Fijian remembers the thrill of competing at the Olympic Games and the joy of watching our rugby sevens heroes win gold on rugby biggest stage.

“And I would like to thank our boys, coach Ben Ryan and his staff for that spectacular showing,” he said.