SGS Athlete Wins U.S. Scholarship
Suva Grammar School gold medallist Kaiava Francis has secured a scholarship to study and train at the Neosho College, Kansas, United States of America.
Tuesday 23 August 2022 | 11:10
Coca-Cola Games gold medallist Kaiava Francis of Suva Grammar School on August 20, 2022. Photo: Leon Lord
Suva Grammar School gold medallist Kaiava Francis has secured a scholarship to study and train at the Neosho College, Kansas, United States of America.
National rep Francis, despite being injured during the Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Northern Marianas; took part at the Coke Games last week and won gold in the senior boys high jump. He cleared the bar at 1.95 metres.
The two-year scholarship is jointly funded by the Oceania Foundation, Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) and selected Colleges.
“It’s been really difficult to prepare for the Cokes when you are injured. I did not train well. It’s all been God who has made all this possible,” Francis said.
“I have been sick the past few days, a lot of anxieties as well and trying to cope, especially with my injury. My leg still needs rehab, some deep tissue massages and water rehab. I did not really do well because I have been sick leading up to Cokes.”
Francis had also won gold for SGS in the intermediate boy’s high jump in 2019.
As for the scholarship, Francis is missing home already.
“It’s hard because I will leave behind my friends and families and especially the culture here in Fiji. I have to get my visa done first and we will see about my preparation process. I am hoping to leave soon.”
He acknowledged the support of the SGS family after they won the boys’ division title after 11 years in the Coke Games.
“There have been challenges and I would like to thank Melaia Saumiwai, my guardian who has been taking care of me and some other athletes preparing for the Games. She took us under her arms and boosted our morale,” he said.
“Also, the old scholars who helped us financially and morally, they have done a lot.”
Francis is also a national rep in handball: he plays volleyball and netball too.
SGS won the boys’ division collecting 23 medals – 11 gold, 6 silver and 6 bronze.
Queen Victoria School (QVS) was second with 9 gold, 5 silver and 7 bronze while Ratu Kadavulevu School failed to retain its title, were ranked third with 6 gold, 5 silver and 9 bronze.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
