2017 Vodafone Hibiscus contestants sought blessings yesterday at the traditional Hibiscus Festival thanksgiving church service at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.

All the 61 King, Queen and Teen contestants were in attendance for one last devotional message as they now begin a week of intense competition.

Pastor Semiti Kaisau, of Christ Embassy, encouraged the contestants to persevere in meeting their objectives amidst the festive mood surrounding the competition

“You are contesting to be a role model in Fiji,” Mr Kaisau said.

“Maintain the spirit of competition, because you are all winners, and do not draw on all the festivities around you.

“How you handle your success and failure in the coming week will determine your character.”

The service provided a chance for members of the public to meet all the contestants before they take centre stage this week.

Large crowds are expected to gather for Fiji’s longest-running festival to witness the competitors engage in a variety of contests designed to test their ability to perform under pressure.

Queen contestant Miss Fiji Society for the Blind Arti Chand was heartened by the message delivered in today’s service.

She said: “I think the message was amazing. It’s through God’s grace that I am here today participating in this competition. I have a lot of faith in the pastor’s words and today I already feel like a winner after his encouraging comments.

“To be with the contestants is a great opportunity for me.

“We have a lot of sisterly love among the group and I wish all my co-contestants well for the competition.”

On Saturday (August 12) Miss Fiji Times Charlene Lanyon won the Best Research Topic award in the Queens category.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback:  sheldon.chanel@fijisun.com.fj