Fiji Special Olympics: Special Treat For Our Athletes
This was made possible by the Fijian pilots flying for Emirates Airlines and nationals working in the aviation industry and the private sector as well.
Friday 22 March 2019 | 20:08
Fiji Special Olympics athletes to the World Games during the thanksgiving dinner in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2019. Photo: Kelepi Abariga
The 35-member Fiji Special Olympics contingent to the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi, were treated to a ‘Thanksgiving Dinner’ at the famous TGIF Restaurant on Wednesday night.
This was made possible by the Fijian pilots flying for Emirates Airlines and nationals working in the aviation industry and the private sector as well.
In a true Fijian spirit of hospitality, a special event was accorded to our medal winning athletes. It was a fitting event as for the first time a sporting delegation from Fiji has achieved such a high and outstanding result which also set a benchmark for others to follow.
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The gathering included Fijian families from Dubai and Al Ain, also present was Second Secretary of the Fiji Embassy Semisi Seruitanoa and family.
Everyone enjoyed the evening as they tucked into an array of fine TGIF cuisine which included smoky BBQ, appetizers, chicken, handcrafted burgers, sliders and pasta’s including sandwiches, steak and assorted beverages.
Head of Fiji delegation, Bishwa Sidal thanked the function organisers which included pilots Timoci Qaranivalu, Kevin Chan, Vinesh Shandil, Howard Marriott, Ian McCabe, Emmanuel Konrote, Nic Phillips, William Foon, Jale Qicatabua,Shalendra Maharaj, Shalend Sagar and Joe Mow and their respective families, for extending the Fijian spirit of hospitality.
He added the kind gesture shown was evident of the love and compassionate spirit Fijians are known for all over the world. Athletes Esther Moli of Rabi Island and Garry Masilo of Korovisilou Village, Serua also celebrated their birthdays.
At the conclusion, the athletes reciprocated the hospitality by singing the song ‘We have overcome’, as everyone present bid farewell to each other.
GOLD FOR MY PARENTS: KETE
Gold medallist 17-year-old Tevite Kete attributed his success to his parents, after winning a gold medal at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.
His mother Katalaini Nacagiceva of Gusuisavu Village in Naitasiri added that her son always had the determination and his achievement is evident of the struggles that the family had to endure.
From left Tevita Kete with mum Katalaini Nacagiceva in Abu Dhabi on March 20, 2019. Photo: Keleip Abariga
Team Fiji bagged 14 medals at the Games with the women’s football team grabbing a bronze medal after Arieta Lala scored the goal to beat South Africa 1-0.
Fiji are now rated in the top 100 on the medal tally after having scooped five gold medals, 4 silvers, and 5 bronze with Vasemaca Nahehe winning gold in the 3000m,
Veniana Vokau won another gold in the 400m while Robert Ceril Rabaka won the third gold in swimming by taking out the 50m freestyle.
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
