Law student Aiden Caine will place his trust in prayer and the coaching process as he prepares to participate at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago next month.
Eighteen-year-old Aiden along with teammate Don Younger will participate in the sport of cycling for Team Fiji at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Couva, Trinidad. Aiden will represent Fiji for the first time and is looking forward to the challenge.
“I started in triathlon before transitioning to cycling as I realised I was good in cycling,” he said.
“So I took up cycling and luckily I was selected to represent Fiji.” Aiden says this is a great opportunity for Don and him, and one where they can challenge themselves and see where they stand in the international arena.
“Our sport is quite challenging, also it requires a lot of mental fortitude apart from the physical aspect of it. So praying and preparing mentally is key in this sport.
“And with this massive opportunity, I would like to see what my result will be like before continuing further with the sport,” Aiden said.
“This is an Olympic sport and hopefully we can perform competitively and one day aim to represent Fiji in cycling at the Olympic Games.”
Meanwhile, teammate Don said he was glad and honoured to be a part of Team Fiji to the Commonwealth Youth Games.
“I’m excited for this opportunity to represent the country and I’m eager to prove myself in this sport,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity and one I hope to enjoy with my fellow teammates in Team Fiji.” Aiden and Don will compete in the 15 kilometre time trial and the 65 kilometre race on Couva, Trinidad.
“I’ve competed locally in the required cycling distance for the Games but this will be the first time doing it on the international stage,” Don said.
The other sports included in the program at the Games are Aquatics (swimming), Athletics, Fast5 Netball, Rugby Sevens, Triathlon and Beach Volleyball. Fiji has been invited to participate in all the sports except for Netball and Beach Volleyball.
The competition will take place in two clusters, one in Couva, Trinidad and the other Tobago, to bring a diverse perspective of the twin island country to the nations of the Commonwealth, as well as showcase a festival of the country’s activities.
The Games were initially scheduled between August 1 to 7, 2021 but were postponed as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic and scheduling issues with the 2020 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The Games will be held from August 4 to 11, 2023 with Team Fiji flying out on August 1.
Team Fiji led by Chef de Mission Calvin Yee, will present its itatau to His Excellency the President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere today.
