From rugby to police patrol
“We struggled and it was not an easy journey. It was 19 years later that we managed to get our papers and all we could do was to thank God for protecting us throughout.”
Wednesday 23 July 2025 | 09:00
Left photo: Sitiveni Tamaivena with wife Naomi, son Suliasi amd daughter Shyla. Right photo: Suliasi Tamaivena carries his baby Roy with son Levi, daughter Kelera and wife Lusiana during the graduation on July 28, 2023.
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Former Fiji and Namoli sevens rugby winger Levi Tamaivena has urged parents to pray for their children in the difficult time we are living in.
Tamaivena was overwhelmed when his twin sons Suliasi and Sitiveni graduated from Renton Police Academy in Washington, United States of America.
Suliasi graduated last month while Sitiveni graduated last Friday.
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“Life was hard when we came to America in 1997,” Tamaivena said.
“We struggled and it was not an easy journey. It was 19 years later that we managed to get our papers and all we could do was to thank God for protecting us throughout.”
Tamaivena, who also played goalkeeper for the Fiji Under-16 and Lautoka football team said, it was their faith in God that kept them going despite the obstacles they faced along the way.
Tamaivena said his sons got scholarships and have graduated from College.
“The twins both played American Football at College and also were semi-professional rugby players representing Seattle Seawolves in the Major League Rugby (MLR) competition.”
He indicated that Suliasi was first recruited to the Police Academy and it was in his third attempt when he finally got through.
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
