THE journey of life can only be enjoyed if someone has battled all the hardship and difficulties to rise to the top.
Athlete Epeli Baleibau can be a testimony to the statement as he tries hard to win at the Melanesian Athletics Championship next month in Suva.
Baleibau, who is originally from Mali Island near Vanua Levu, lost part of his right hand in an incident in a mill almost two decades ago.
He said disability meant nothing if one had the will to win in life.
“I would like to encourage my friends who have disability that nothing is impossible,” he said.
“Joining sports is just like another journey where you enjoy playing any sport.
“You can also meet other athletes and people. We also increase our life span by being happy in things which we do.”
Baleibau turned 44 last Wednesday.
“I lost my hand in a mill incident in Labasa when I was working for Fiji Forest Industries Ltd. At the moment I am not working but I do enjoy meeting people and playing sport,” he added.
“I will be taking part in the para sport high jump and most probably in the master’s category. My preparation had been going very well and it is getting tough as the competition comes near. My aim is to try my best to win my event.
“I have been training very hard because I want to prove that age is a number.”
The 2016 Melanesian Athletics Championship will be held from July 7-9.
