Answered Prayers for Deaf Athletes in Overseas Competition

The Fiji National Sports Commission yesterday confirmed giving a grant of $60,538 to assist the Fiji Deaf A ssociation to compete at this year's Australia Deaf Games and the Oceania Deaf Games.

The 40-member FDA contingent flies out to Sydney this morning.

The Games is from January 14-20, at Newcastle with the official opening tomorrow.

"This grant enables them to cover all their airfares, thankfully the Australia Deaf Association is covering the cost of transportation, accommodation and meals whilst they are in Australia," FNSC chief executive Peter Mazey said yesterday.

"We wish the 34 athletes and six officials a successful tournament."

Of the 34 athletes, Mosese Tuiloruma and Shivneel Sharma are the only two who were part of their first participation in the 2018 Games held at A lbury-Wodonga, New South Wales.

FDA had brought home 6 medals (2 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze) and an award; Tuiloruma had picked up the Most Valuable Player in mixed netball while Sharma bagged a manageress Leona Tamainai said bronze from 100 metres. through an interpreter.

"The rest are first timers and "We are grateful to the FNSC for we hope to bring back more med- their assistance, it was last minute medals and awards this time," chief but they reached out and helped us, vinaka vakalevu.

"Our athletes have been training since August last year.

"We are excited and happy to have this opportunity to participate in the ADG.

"Participating in the ADG means so much to our athletes, the participation and exposure definitely boost their morale,"

ADG is the pinnacle multi-sport event for deaf people in Australia involving up to twenty (20) sports and attracting more than 1000 competitors and participants from all over Australia and some neighbouring Pacific nations which include Fiji.

The athletes will be participating in sevens rugby (men and women), touch rugby, mixed netball and athletic competitions.

Athletic events include the 100metres, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, shot put and discus.

They return January 24.

Feedback: karalaini.waqanidrola@fijisun.com.fj