With anticipation for the Pacific Games building up, Fiji Outrigger president Joanne Reiher has confidence in her team’s ability to bring home between 10 and 12 medals from the Solomon Islands.
A squad has been selected to represent Fiji in the thrilling sport of Va’a – comprising 30 athletes and officials. Reiher expressed her satisfaction with the team’s preparation, emphasising their rigorous training regime.
“We train six days a week, morning and afternoon. Our paddlers are in exceptional form and are eager to compete against their counterparts from Polynesian nations,” Reiher said.
With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talents, Reiher highlighted the positive outlook and said they would send 14 men and 13 women.
“We are looking at the positive side, we are hoping to secure 10 to 12 medals. We have numerous medal opportunities,” she said.”
Acknowledging the tough competition from powerhouses such as Tahiti and New Caledonia, Reiher thanked the crucial funding from the Sports Commission for the growth of the sport. “Fiji is one of the top five countries in the Pacific Games,” Reiher said.
“With the support from the Sports Commission, our sport has flourished. We’re confident we will earn medals this time.”
The team is fuelled by their recent success at the International Va’as Federation World Champions in Samoa, where Team Fiji secured a silver and a bronze, medals.
Reiher said the team’s focus on nurturing young talent was also on the pipeline as they aimed to provide them with valuable experience in such high-level competitions.
