‘Naigani In Honour Of Mum’
8 years, but is eager to show off certain hotspots to friends when she returns.
The 26-year old swimmer, who says she’s ‘100 per cent Tailevu’ for the fact that both parents hail from the same province, was part of the Fiji delegation to the Commonwealth Games.
“We came to the United Kingdom after my father was offered a Commonwealth scholarship to pursue his doctors in Birmingham in 2004,” she said.
“I applied to be part of the Commonwealth Games to give back to the Commonwealth, as it is the reason my family and I are here.”
In her formative years, Ms Dakunivosa was nominated in swimming gala competitions to represent her primary school.
She was often a first place getter in those contests.
For her family, the Commonwealth Games was a family affair, with her father serving as an assistant during the course of the sporting event, and her niece was the sports village coordinator.
“It was amazing experiencing it with family,” she said.
“Hosting Fiji at the Commonwealth Games was a reminder of all the life lessons my mother taught me – to be kind, to take care of my people, and to do the very best in the process.
“I encourage the youth to volunteer and apply for vacancies for events such as these even back home.”
Being Fijian and being assigned one’s home country during the Commonwealth Games is a blessing, she said.
The International Business graduate from the University of Bedfordshire speaks highly of her mother, whom the family lost to a battle with cancer in 2013.
Where in Fiji would you take friends to?
Denarau has a lot more water activities.
What are some of your favourite spots for a coffee or pie?
Hot Bread Kitchen and Craig’s Cakes and Pastries.
What is your favourite backyard spot?
My grandparents’ home in Tamavua.
It is one place where all my family would gather for a feast and all my cousins would be playing.
What is one place in Fiji on your bucket list?
My koro-n.i-vasu (maternal links), Naigani Island.
I would love to visit in honour of my late mother, who spoke highly of its beauty.
Feedback : frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj
