Paternal and Maternal Village
Nadivakarua, Kubulau Bua and Yaroi, Savusavu, Cakaudrove.
Number of siblings
Eight including me
Primary and secondary education
Buca Government/Savusavu/Suva Methodist and MBHS Professional background Diploma Industrial Relations; Bachelor of Arts – Commerce & Public Administration & Management (USP) & Master of Commerce Degree – UNSW, Sydney, Australia
Hobbies
sports, walking and leisure management
Sports represented and years
Athletics, rugby, football – MBHS Rugby for Nabua Club 1987-1992, Raiwaqa Rugby Club 1995-1996; Suva Football Association 1984-1996 (former Suva soccer captain, coach and president); Fiji soccer team 1985 – 1996 and former Fiji soccer captain.
How was life growing up?
Tough and below average earning family Where to after school? Had to look for work because my dad was the only one working in the family looking after eight children with an annual salary of $3700 per year with PWD.
You played a lot of sports, how did you manage?
It was tough and competitive at that time but discipline and hard work was the key. Perseverance and not accepting failure to demotivate and overcome your goals. In fact, I looked at them as opportunities and motivation to learn and do better.
Who was your inspiration?
In fact a few, my dad was one of them. I couldn’t imagine a father with so little in income could put us all to great schools like Marist and St Josephs for my sisters and St Johns Cawaci, secondly Br Theophane , my MBHS athletics coach, never experienced anyone like him. He continued to advise me even when I was with the Fiji soccer team – he would tell me like this – “Tino remember doesn’t matter if you’re not running the 100 or 200 metres, in any sport the principle is the same – work hard and be consistent with small things and do it well”.
Despite playing for another rugby club you still returned to the MRC, why do you keep going back?
It’s my love for my school MBHS and those that belong to the Marist brotherhood plus compassion for those I spent my unforgettable days in school with. Our last few senior years were the most memorable.
For current and aspiring sports people what would be your advice?
Balance sports with a good education, because a good education is your passport to the future and after sports.
The Marist 7s has come a long way producing national and international reps and match officials, don’t you think this is a marvellous achievement?
An absolutely unmatched record. This is where 7s in Fiji started and Marist’s contribution in Fiji rugby 7s is no secret – it is not only the best but the most successful.
As Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports, what are some plans the government has in place in terms of the development of sports in the country?
I wish I could dive into details, as you all know, this government is pro sports for many reasons – it contributes to our social and economic development, well-being and health and building lasting relationships. The government has already shown what it can do to make a difference in people’s lives in the context of sports development. If you compare budgets – previous sports budgets was around $4m compared to the current $24m, this tells us something about this governments commitment in sports development for Fiji. Results of sports today is evidence of this development together with the promise of developed sporting facilities…
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Generally, we lack in sports governance and qualifications/accreditation by international standards To sports coaches – get properly qualified and accredited and align to international best practices and standards. Officials – be interested and understand the rules and policies of sports, play by the
governing rules, code of conduct, and laws of the game, be committed to manage athletes with sincere, declare your interests, do it for love and think of Fiji and others first before self in your deliberations and collaborate more.
