Rabakewa scoops top award

National discus representative Brienna Rabakewa was named the most outstanding student after being recognised for her exceptional sporting achievements during the Swami Vivekananda College’s prize giving ceremony yesterday.

The school rewarded top-performing athletes with cash incentives; Rabakewa received $1000 in prize money.

She said she was looking forward to more international meet in the future.

She won a gold medal in the senior girls’ discus, setting a new record, and also claimed gold in the discus at the Oceania Athletics Championships.

Second was swimmer Ruben Taylor, who received five gold medals and one silver medal at the Fiji Secondary Schools Swimming Competition, as well as a gold medal at the Oceania Swimming Championships.

He received a total of $780 in prize money.

Chief guest Dr Taichi Vakasama, a former student of the college and former national swimming champion, urged students to remain dedicated, disciplined and committed to achieving excellence in all aspects of school life.

Students received a range of awards, cash prizes and gift vouchers.

Athletes who won medals at the Fiji Finals Coca-Cola Games received $500 for gold, $300 for silver and $200 for bronze.

Recipients of awards in other sports received gift vouchers worth $50 for gold and silver medallists, and $30 for bronze medallists.