Fiji Association of the Deaf Call on Good Samaritarians

The 36-member Fiji Association of Deaf contingent preparing for the Australian Deaf Games in Newcastle, Australia is hopeful good Samaritans will show up on time to top up the $40,000 they have collected so far.

Team chief manageress Leona Tamairai through an interpreter yesterday at the Toorak playground, Suva said they have not lost hope yet.

The ADG will be officially opened on Saturday, January 13. The Games is from January 14-20.

“We are still sending out letters looking for cash donations and I have even contacted the Fijian community in Australia to assist us,” Tamairai said using sign language.

“We do not want to drop the number of athletes that is why we hope to get more donations so that all those who have qualified can go.

“Our athletes have been training since August last year and we aim to bring back more medals than when we first participated in the 2018 ADG held at Albury–Wodonga in New South Wales.

“Participating in the ADG means so much to our athletes, the participation and exposure definitely boosts their morale.”

The 30 athletes will be participating in the sevens rugby (men and women), touch rugby, mixed netball and athletic competitions.

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

“We are better prepared this time and definitely would be bringing back more medals,” Tamairai said.

At the ADG this year for the track events athletes at the start of a race would be watching lights instead of listening for the starter’s gun.

Fiji Association of Deaf contingent team chief manageress Leona Tamairai. Photo: Leon Lord

Nineteen year old Tikomainayalisara (hard of hearing) plays forward in rugby sevens and like his idol Pio Tuwai wants to bring back the gold medal for Fiji.

“I am looking forward to getting on the Fiji Airways plane, as I am from Lau I am only used to travelling by boat,” Tikomainayalisara said.

“I follow and copy Pio Tuwai’s passing style, offloading skills and tackling. Our national 15s and 7s teams have beaten Australia and I am anxious to help my team also beat Australian teams at the ADG.”

Gospel High School student Adi Lusiana (hard of hearing) is part of her school’s inclusive mainstream team and has always found playing sports a challenge.

“For me apart from sports this is an educational excursion and an opportunity like this is a blessing,” Lusiana said.

“I’m playing sevens rugby and mixed netball. To attend training has been tough and the training has been challenging; but I am motivated by how stars like Waisale Serevi and Jerry Tuwai have achieved for Fiji.”

FAD first participated in the 2018 and they brought home 6 medals (2 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze) with Moses Tuiloruma picking up the Most Valuable Player in mixed netball.

Feedback: karalaini.waqanidrola@fijisun.com.fj