IN a solemn itatau ceremony presented to President Jioji Konrote at the State House in Suva yesterday, Team Fiji asked for the country’s blessing and their prayers as they prepare to leave for Rio de Janeiro, home of the 2016 Olympic Games.

Team Fiji’s 94 athletes and officials from the 10 sporting disciplines and two parasports were led by chef de mission Cathy Wong and her deputy Wayne O’Connor, all donned in their opening march out uniforms.

Upon receiving the traditional token, Konrote acknowledged the delegation’s gesture of respect and offered his blessing and that of our fellow countrymen to the team’s mission in Rio.