IT will be a moment of truth for Team Va’a Fiji as they prepare to compete at the World Distance Championship in Samoa next week.
Emily Moli, one of the seven female paddlers for Team Va’a Fiji, says their preparation has been nothing short of rigorous and exhilarating.
“We’ve dedicated countless hours honing our skills, pushing our limits, and synchronizing our efforts to represent our country on the global stage,” Moli said.
“The gruelling hours of training and personal sacrifices invested over the course of the past 10 months signify the dedication we have devoted to the pursuit of excellence.”
The world championship starts on Thursday, and will continue until August 19.
Beyond the thrill of competing in the championship, Moli said they aspired to forge lasting bonds with fellow athletes and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Samoa.
“With every stroke of the paddle and every surge of energy, we aim to showcase the indomitable spirit of Fiji and its rich maritime heritage,” said Moli, who took part in the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea where the women won a bronze medal.
She said most of the team members had taken part in either the Pacific Games, Mini Games and the past World Marathon and World Sprints.
Meanwhile, only two members of the team have left for Samoa, while the rest will leave the country today.
According to Moli, there has has been a number of challenges the team faced during their preparations for the championship from limited resources to access to training equipment.
If there’s one main lesson learned by Moi and her teammates during their preparation journey over the past few months, it is the power of unity. “In the midst of training sessions and strategic planning, what resonates most profoundly is the unity that propels us forward.
“Each member of Team Va’a Fiji brings a unique skill set and unwavering commitment, and together, we aspire to leave an indelible mark of sportsmanship, resilience, and excellence.
“Our ambitions and aspirations for this championship are elevated yet grounded in our collective determination and firmly rooted in our shared resolve.”
Events for Team Va’a Fiji at the championship: Monday 14/8 – v1 (16km) Elenoa Vateitei (open women); Tuesday 15/8 – v1 (16km) Stanley Ooms (open men), Salome Tabuatalei – v1 (masters 60 women – 16km); Wednesday 16/8 – Lawrence Borja v1 (U19 boys 0 16km), Joanne Reiher – v1 (master 40 women – 16km), Stanley Ooms – v1 (Master 40 men – 16km); Thursday 17/8 – v6 open women (24km); Friday 18/8 – v6 masters 40 women (24km) Pierre Guyot – v1 master’s 60 men – 16km, v6 open men (24km).
