Sigatoka Athlete Gets Us Scholarship
Despite the passing away of her father, the dream to pursue her sporting career did not stop.
Thursday 23 June 2022 | 12:00
Sigatoka Methodist College’s Joana Waticomoya Vakasobuduru during the Nadroga/Navosa zone meet at Lawaqa Park on June 22, 2022. Vakasobuduru has also secured a U.S scholarship and will leave next month. Photo: Nicolette Chambers
Despite the passing away of her father, the dream to pursue her sporting career did not stop.
For Joana Waticomoya Vakasobuduru, sports was always at heart and she always needed her family’s support.
Thankfully, she was supported by her mother, Jimaima Kaikabakaba who ensured she achieved her dream.
The Year 13 science student of Sigatoka Methodist College will be travelling to the United States of America in August under the Oceania Australia Foundation/Oceania National Olympic Committees US Scholarship Programme. Her travel was made possible through Stallions Athletics and Athletics Fiji. The programme offers two years of tuition and coaching at selected US Junior Colleges.
Not only is Joana a star in athletics, but she is also involved in other sports like volleyball and netball. She was also part of the Baby Pearls netball team.
Yesterday, she took part in the triple jump event of the Nadroga/Navosa Athletics Zone meet at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
Stallions Athletics secretary, Ifereimi Naruma said the group was grateful to Athletics Fiji for giving scholarships to elite athletes like Joana.
Naruma said there were a number of potential athletes that came from the province.
“Our students are exposed to potential scholarships and we are so happy that we are now being recognised,” he said.
Joana said she looked forward to travelling abroad and being involved in what she loved doing.
“I hope to go to the US and make my family and school proud,” she said.
“I was also encouraged to look into other sports and I will ensure that I make the most of the opportunities that will be put to me.”
DayOne Results:
Girls Division
Sigatoka Methodist College leads Day One with 9 gold, 9 silver,s 4 bronze. Nasikawa Vision College second with 4 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze while Thomas Baker Memorial School is third 3 gold, 0 silver, 0 bronze
Boys Division
Cuvu College leads Day One with 5 gold, 7 silvers, 4 bronze, Sigatoka Methodist College on second place with 5 gold, 1 silver, 7 bronze while Nasikawa Vision College – 3 gold, 5 silver, 2 bronze.
The Nadroga/Navosa zone competition will continue at Lawaqa Park today.
Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj
