VILISI Tavui flew to study in New Zealand yesterday after the national basketball player was accepted in Saint Kentigern College in Auckland.
The six feet four inches tall player chose to play basketball over netball, a decision her family members did not quite side with especially with the Fiji Pearls knocking on the door.
“I made the decision to play basketball after I realised that I could build a career through sports just like Valerie Nainima,” said Tavui.
“I am really excited to be going to New Zealand and I hope this would give me an opportunity to become a better player.
“I am going with the mind-set to focus equally on sports and academic. I am hoping to be able to get a scholarship after this stint to further education and my sporting career as well.”
Tavui would be released by the school for Pacific Games duties.
“This is my first Pacific Games and I am looking forward to playing against the best teams in the nation,” she said.
“The team has been preparing well and the girls know that the Pacific Games would not be easy and it would require every bit of our strength, skill and teamwork to ensure we return with a medal.
“A gold would be nice.”
The Fiji teams would face stiff competition from New Caledonia and hosts Papua New Guinea. PNG’s team has been training in Australia.
The Pacific Games start on July 4.
* Pacific Games coverage courtesy of BSP
