Three Fijiana Olympians were hosted to a dinner by fellow Jasper Old Girls (JOGS) at Lautoka last week.

The JOGS trio- Laisana Likuceva, Vasiti Solikoviti, Sesenieli Donu are members of the Fijiana bronze medal winners at the 2020 Tokyo Olym- pics.

JOGS executive Laisani Danford said the function was also an opportunity for JOGS to honour those who had contributed to the players’success.

“Be it rugby or any other sport, without the sup- port of parents, families, communities and stake- holders aspiring sportswomen would not be able to accomplish their dreams,” Danford said.

“Occasions like this strengthen our JOGS sisterhood. We thrive on our network to help each other, help fellow sisters achieve their dreams,” she said.

“Our acknowledging achievements and victories is through –planting the seeds of kindness and love – we hope these are recycled, shared and lived among us.

“The celebration is because these young ladies have inspired to be the better version of them and at the same time allowed others to bench- mark themselves,

“To be Olympians does not only to make our nation proud but also all Jasperians out there.”

Joining the three bronze medal winners was lanky forward Vani Buleki; she had travelled with the Fijiana outfit to Australia but dropped out of the Olympics due to an injury.

How it started?

According to Danford rugby union was first introduced at JWHS in 2014.

“The seed that was planted way back in 2014 is now coming into fruition

Danford added,:“This was possible because of the vision to allow young girls be part of the sport of rugby.

“There were those who began the journey of which I was humbled to be a part of and the word vinaka would be an understatement.”

Danford acknowledged fellow teachers and coaches for their efforts.

This included Laisa Kalidole, Antonio Cakautabu Raboiliku and Lionel Danford who has recently joined FRU.

“We thought of you all at the celebration and a special mention was made by Mrs Satala in her speech because of the vision to allow young girls to be part of the sport of rugby,” she said.

She added to those that continued the journey include Lela Kalou, Alena Laqai and the many more who coach rugby at JWHS.

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