Fiji Airways Flying Fijian first five eighth Alivereti Veitokani was named the 2018 Fiji Tattslotto Sportsman of the year at the annual Fiji Sports Award at the FMF National Gym­nasium last Friday.

Veitokani, 27, was not present during the awards but his father Jolame Tura­ganiqali received his award on his behalf.

Mr Turaganiqali, 61, said he was proud of his son’s achievement in the rugby field and the award of Sportsman of the Year was an added bonus to the many recognition his son has received.

“I am so proud of Alivereti’s achieve­ment tonight and though he is not here to receive the award I know he will be very happy when we relay the news to him,” Mr Turaganiqali said.

“This award is a testament of his sheer dedication and commitment to the sport of rugby whenever he dons the national colours to play for his home country,” he said.

“We have always supported him throughout his rugby career and we will continue to do so in the future.”

The 2018 Fiji Tattslotto Sportswomen of the year was awarded to Sally Yee of Table Tennis Fiji.

Ms Yee who is currently studying in Japan had her sister receive her award on her behalf.

18-year-old Sally Yee said, “I dedicate my achievement to my parents espe­cially my mother, who was a national women’s table tennis champion, she also represented Fiji at Oceania events and is a national cadets or junior coach.”

Ms Yee has represented the country in the 2016 Summer Olympics table tennis women’s singles event in which she was eliminated in the preliminary round by Nigerian table tennis player Offiong Edem.

“My parents have always supported and encouraged me while Mr Anthony Ho, who is like my godfather, always works hard to have me get the best training and coaching that I could receive.

He also sends me to countries where I learn and meet top players. I play the best because I learnt from the best.”