FOR more than two decades, Fiji para-athletics stalwart Fred Fatiaki has lived the transformative power of sport — first as an athlete, now as a coach and development leader.
As the world marked Olympic Day, Fatiaki used the occasion to send a powerful message to people living with disabilities across Fiji: sport can change lives.
Fatiaki, who has spent over two decades years in para-sport and represented Fiji at the Paralympic level, says his journey has been about far more than medals.
“Sport helped me believe in myself, self-confidence and also trusting in the system that we have in terms of the sport itself,” he said.
Today, Fatiaki is one of the leading figures behind Fiji’s growing para-athletics program, helping nurture athletes from grassroots to elite competition.
His role has evolved from competitor to coach, official and development officer — all driven by one purpose: creating opportunities.
“I’ve really learned a lot and hopefully, as the years go by, the para component or para sports grows in Fiji from grassroots to the elite level,” he said.
At the Olympic Day celebration, Fatiaki showcased modified field events used in para-athletics, giving the public a rare insight into how athletes with physical impairments train and compete.
But beyond the demonstrations, his biggest mission remains inclusion.
He said Fiji’s para-sport movement is now working closely with communities and special schools to create awareness and open pathways for athletes living with disabilities.
His message to those watching from home was simple but powerful.
“Don’t look at your impairment or your disability — look at your ability,” Fatiaki said.
He also urged families to play a bigger role in encouraging their loved ones into sport.
“The most important thing is family support. Please support your family member who has an impairment, give them the opportunity,” he said.
For Fatiaki, the dream is clear: a Fiji where every child with a disability has the chance to discover sport, build confidence and perhaps one day wear the national colours.
And if his own story is any indication, that journey can begin with just one step onto the track.
