THE Fiji schools swimming team presented its i-tatau to President Major General Jioje Konrote at the Government House yesterday.
Konrote accepted the 49-member team’s i-tatau during a traditional ceremony and encouraged the young swimmers to “do your best” in Adelaide.
“On behalf of the Government, the Prime Minister and all Fijians, I’d like to express my kind gratitude and thanks for the traditional ceremony of i-tatau.
“I’d like to commend you as youngsters, for the way in which you want to maintain our culture and to seek the blessing of the land, Government and the church. May God be with you. May he bless the team. Bring back as many gold medals as you can.
“You are the future of this land. You go with best wishes. Have a safe trip. Enjoy yourselves and listen to the coaches.
“You have a long way to go. Look after one another.
“For those of us staying back, we look forward to news of your progress.”
Over 3500 athletes from the region will be competing in the Pacific School Games.
Team official Patrick Bower said they were hoping for a good outing,
“They (the swimmers) are from Suva, Nadi and Lautoka schools,” he said.
“We have had Pacific School Games before. There was a pause and now it’s back on the agenda.
“It’s a huge game. It involves so many top countries in swimming and it’s where the Australians prepare their swimmers.”
The Fiji team will be captained by Max Collingwood. Rosemarie Rova will be the flag bearer. Bower said selection was based on swimmers’ performance.
He said the swimmers self-funded the trip.
“The players were given levies. When they were selected, their names went to the schools and their local communities. They did fundraising for them to go,” Bower said.
The team leaves for Australia today.
