I was browsing through The Fiji Times at the library when I saw the passing away of the late Josefa Navusolo senior (FT 8/3).

When I started joining the Suva Youth Centre (now I believe it’s YMCA/SYC ) in the mid-60s, Jo was a senior member of the club. Bagasau was the place he resided as far as I know until 1970 when I left Toorak. Most of his club members also live at Bagasau and the surrounding places, a walking distance to and from the club.

Jo took part in almost all the sports as a recreation to keep him fit. Rugby, table tennis and softball to name a few.

To what I can recall, he took athletics and basketball seriously and represented the country in those two sports in the first South Pacific Games in Suva in 1963.

He got a silver medal in the 4×4 relay and was also a member of the men’s basketball team. He was also inducted to the Hall of Fame.

Standing at six feet plus, it was always a pleasure to see this gentleman from Rewa walking straight, upright, his tall physique, his ever graceful smiling face and his beautiful white set of teeth.

Toorak also produced some well-known sports personalities (too many to name them) who represented Fiji in athletics, basketball, judo, boxing, rugby, soccer, table tennis, weightlifting and netball.

Some have taken the lead but to those of you who are still around, you all know Jo very well.

All kai Turaki where it all started. To Katarina and family, Jo is gone but never forgotten to the Suva Youth Centre family.

Moce mada kaivata.