An act of service has turned into a blessing for young Apisalome Macanalagi of Nadi.

Yesterday, he received the first ever Fiji International Presented by Fiji Airways Scholarship worth $5000.

The Fiji National University’s Trade Diploma in Hotel Management student was grateful after receiving the PGA scholarship.

Macanalagi, 20, originally from Lomaiviti was part of the university’s student volunteer group who assisted in the tournament at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course last year where his skills and voluntary service were noticed.

Chief executive officer of PGA of Australia Gavin Kirkman presented the scholarship to Macanalagi yesterday.

“The scholarship from the committee at the PGA of Australia was we wanted to make sure that while we are here running an international tournament, we wanted to bring the Fijians along with the tournament as well,” Kirkman said.

“Through the Fiji National University, the scholarship is just to encourage Api to go further into the next level.”

Kirkman said that the tournament not only showcased the quality golf tournament but also the strength of Fiji’s hospitality and tourism industry.

“The Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways is televised globally, 20 hours over that one week and is shown around the world. And they’re televising not only what’s happening on the golf course but they’re televising the experiences that you can have here in your beautiful country.  That will come down to the students and the people working in the hospitality industry.”

Macanalagi was delighted after being awarded the scholarship.

“I was shocked at first because I never expected to be chosen or to be given such an award,”he said.

“It was a voluntary act that I did when I went to the tournament so I didn’t expect anything after. I am just overwhelmed and speechless.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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