All-Rounder Ravatu Picks Up Volunteer Of The Year Award
Leilani Ravatu often host 20 hockey players at one time - these are players from as far as the western division who travel to Suva for training and trials. She also caters for their meals and other necessities.
Friday 08 March 2019 | 13:46
It is usually a job that goes without recognition, a volunteer’s work is usually performed behind the scenes but at the 2018 Fiji Sports Awards, volunteers were recognised for their tireless service in their various sporting federations.
The 2018 Powerade Sports Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Leilani Ravatu of the Fiji Hockey Federation.
Originally from Vanuaso, Gau in the Lomaiviti Group, Leilani is a former national hockey rep that has competed in various international hockey tournaments donning the Fiji jumper.
“I started playing hockey when I was only 19-year-old studying at the Natabua High School in Lautoka and I had just retired last year to give room to upcoming and promising talents that are now enjoying the sport,” Mrs Ravatu said.
“I have played hockey for the past three decades and although I have taken a step back from representing the country on the hockey turf, it has not stopped my quest to assist the sport I love off the turf,” she said.
According to a statement by the Fiji Hockey Federation, Leilani voluntarily provides housing for any player that had no place to stay because they resided in the Western Division and needed to be in Suva for trials.
“I usually house 20 hockey players in one go, these are players from as far as the western division who come down for training and trials and I also look after their meals and other necessities while they live under my roof,” she added.
From picking up rubbish around the turf to placing cones to prepare for the coach to arrive – she does all these with the friendliest disposition ever.
“Leilani will be the go-to lady, the water lady, the manager, the assistant coach, the official, the masseuse, the reassurer, the caretaker, the cheerleader, the mother and the matron for all her children in hockey,” a statement by Fiji Hockey Federation stated.
Today, both her children, Lala and Joji Ravatu are following the footsteps of their mother, representing Fiji in hockey on the local and International stage.
Leilani’s daughter Lala Ravatu was nominated in 2012 in the Young Female of the Year Award category and also nominated in 2017 as Sportswoman of the Year.
