Team Fiji, led by chef de mission Calvin Yee, departed Fiji last night to participate at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago which will be held from August 4 to 11, 2023.
Thirty-four athletes and 11 officials will participate in five sports of athletics, cycling, swimming, rugby sevens and triathlon.
For most of the athletes, this is the first time travelling outside of the country and will surely be an eye opening opportunity. Anasa Koroitini, 18, said this is his first trip overseas.
“I’m really looking forward to it because I have been blessed with this opportunity and reminded consistently by family that there are others who could have been here instead of me,” he said.
Loata Berenado, 18, said being chosen to represent Fiji has always been a dream.
“I get to represent Fiji in a sport I love with the support of my family and friends,” she said.
Both Anasa and Loata are part of the Rugby Sevens men’s and women’s teams respectively.
Cyclist Aiden Caine was not only excited but looking forward to the challenge.
“I want to learn as much as I can from this opportunity and see how I can challenge myself to be better each time I participate in this sport,” he said.
Fiji was invited to participate in all of the nine sports on the program except for netball and beach volleyball.
The competition will take place in two clusters – one in Couva, Trinidad which will host athletics, cycling and swimming, and the other in Tobago, hosts for rugby sevens and triathlon.
Team Fiji
Athletics – Antonio Raboiliku coach; Emosi Laqere 100m, 200m; Frances Tuva 200m, 400m; Cycling – Daniell Cowley coach/manager; Don Younger road race, time trial; Aiden Caine road race, time trial; Swimming – Esita Malani coach/manager; David Young 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle, 100m butterfly, 100m freestyle; Anahira Mccutcheon 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle, 100m butterfly;
Triathlon – Angus Pattie coach/manager; Christian Rokoua super sprint,mixed relay; Katie Pattie sper sprint, mixed relay;
Rugby 7s women – Meli Tuifagalele coach, Bogidrau Tubanavau manager, Vilisoni Atama S&C coach, Talei Uluinakauvadra, Adi Josivini Saqoro, Melika Likuivalu, Ravaela Bulileka, Arieta Tonono, Lusiana Keperieli, Loata Berenado, Selai Naliva, Marica Tukana, Setita Sagati, Makelesi Tuivuya, Virisita Kauniloloma, Ateca Nacaucauceva;
Rugby 7s men – Lasarusa Senibale coach, Jonetani Rika manager, Fugawai Bulivou physiotherapist, Marika Rabonu, Aisea Nawai, Mariko Ravuiwasa , Ponipate Kurewaka, Nasoni Tuigaloa, Iliesa Ratubalavu, Josaia Ralulu, Anasa Korotini, Nikola Qumivutia, Ratu Tevita Seruisavou, Mesake Nalase, Vilivo Whippy, Kemueli Waqanitabua; Calvin Yee chef de mission.
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