Koleta Sosefo did not see her disability as an obstacle when she participated in the Lami Festival in 1986.
A The Fiji Times article published on September 6, 1986, said Koleta suffered from paraplegia, a form of paralysis affecting some parts of the arm and lower body. This condition usually occurred due to injuries in the nervous system and spinal cord.
She was 25 years old at the time and was a secretary at the Orthotics and Prosthetics Laboratory which came under the Fiji Crippled Children’s Society back in 1980.
Clyde Engineering Pacific Ltd sponsored Koleta after approaching her to participate in the event. While understandably nervous at first, she then had a change of heart.
Koleta strongly agreed that a person’s physical appearance should not overweigh her character or personality in events such as the Lami festival.
While she was relying on a wheelchair for mobility as she had lost control and movement of her legs, she still believed in having a strong chance of winning the contest.
“I was very happy with the response I got from the public on opening night of the festival,” she said.
“The other contestants are also very friendly and helpful towards me making it easier for me to participate.”
Koleta was paralysed at 16 after going out for a swim at Vuda Point in Lautoka.
“I dived into the water and my head hit a rock. I immediately lost all feeling from my neck down,” she said.
The accident resulted in her being semiconscious.
“I could see people in a rainbow of colours around me and could hear voices.”
Koleta was told that she would not be able to walk during the first three months of the accident. “When I found out, I hated everyone and everything and wished I was dead.
“The first three years were very hard for my family and friends.”
She was attending St John’s College in Levuka, Ovalau, but was unable to complete her studies after the accident.
Koleta spent a large portion of her time in the hospital, having to relearn basic tasks such as writing and getting dressed, having a shower, and doing other tasks in a person’s daily life.
At the time, she was on the verge of recovering total control of her arms, but was still at a loss for movement in her lower body.
“I know I am capable of doing a much more challenging job if I am given a chance.”
Koleta said she would use the festival as a platform to raise awareness on those with disabilities.
“Rather than being a burden, we are individuals with potential who can contribute to society,” “Help us do just that.”
