JUGGLING work and play can sometimes be hectic for any individual but for Catherine Fabiano juggling work, play, studies and motherhood has become second nature.
The Savusavu, Vanua Levu mother of one is part of the 2015 women’s five-a-side hockey team to the Pacific Games in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and is considered one of the senior players at the age of 27.
“It has been tough especially trying to juggle my life as a mother and work but I’m fortunate to have great support around me,” she said.
“My husband is also a part of the men’s extended team to the Pacific Games and our families have been supportive when it comes to babysitting.”
She said coming to grips with her hectic lifestyle had made her a more determined and focused athlete and parent. Catherine has also been a frequent member of the Fiji Women’s Hockey team since she fell in love with the sport in 2003 during what was then the South Pacific Games.
“I’ve been a part of the women’s team for quite a while, ever since I started playing in 2003 when I was 15,” said Catherine.
“And I was also fortunate to be a part of the 2007 squad to the Games in Samoa and a member of the Fiji team that has participated in the Oceania Pacific Cup in previous years.”
Catherine is one of only two athletes who were a part of the gold winning team in 2007, the other being Maxine Browne.
This would be hard to believe considering that Catherine is one of the smallest players in the squad, but she makes up for it in her enthusiasm and fitness. Catherine is currently pursuing a degree in Journalism and Management while working as a Sale and Marketing representative.
Other members of the team include current Coca-Cola Games champions Lora Bukalidi of Gospel High School, Tailah Ah Yuk of Suva Grammar School, former captain of the girls under-19 Youth Olympics team Lala Ravatu and Tiara Dutta, Melba Nautu, Tessa Harman and Susana Mudunatagi.
The non-travelling players are Sarote Nakaora, Rebbeca Lemeki, Sereima Bolalailai, Rita Hicks and Maria Tailor. The youngest player is Tiara Dutta who is 16 years old who was also a part of the national squad that represented Fiji in the World Series in India in 2013 and the under-19 squad to the Youth Olympics last year.
* Pacific Games coverage courtesy of BSP
