Sports enthusiasts across Fiji are in for a treat as the highly anticipated 2024 Fiji Sports Award is set to take place at the Vodafone Arena on Saturday, 22 March.
The event promises to be a night of celebration, recognition and inspiration, honouring the remarkable achievements of Fiji’s finest athletes and sports personalities.
The ceremony will commence at 7:00 pm sharp, with doors opening at 6:00 pm to allow guests to settle in and enjoy the pre-show entertainment. The evening will be graced by the presence of the Minister for Youth & Sports, Hon. Jese Saukuru, who will be the chief guests of the evening.
Adding to the excitement will be the entertainment band, Marama, who will set the stage with their lively performances, ensuring that the atmosphere is filled with energy and enthusiasm.
One of the highlights of the evening will be the guest speaker, Duane Kale. A New Zealand Paralympian and recipient of the Order of New Zealand Merit (ONZM), Duane is a distinguished figure in both business and sport. With a background in banking, he has transitioned into a leadership role, currently serving as Vice President of the International Paralympic Committee, Deputy Chair of Sport New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand. He also holds various directorships, including with Paralympics New Zealand.
Duane’s athletic career is equally impressive. He won six medals, including four gold, at the 1996 Paralympic Games and has led New Zealand as Chef de Mission for the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympic Games. His advocacy for high ethical standards in sport and his commitment to inspiring inclusivity make him the perfect choice to address the audience at this prestigious event.
The Fiji Sports Award 2024 will recognize outstanding performances across 11 categories, with nominees who have demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication and sportsmanship.
This event is not just about celebrating individual achievements; it’s about acknowledging the collective spirit of Fiji’s sporting community. It’s a night to honour the hard work, perseverance and passion that drives our athletes to excel on the global stage.
Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration and recognition. The Fiji Sports Award 2024 is set to be a night to remember, as we come together to celebrate the best of Fiji’s sports.
Fiji Bitter Sports Organisation of the Year: AFL Fiji, Athletics Fiji, Fiji Chess Federation, Fiji Football Association, Fiji Surfing Association, Fiji Swimming, Fiji Taekwondo Association, Weightlifting Fiji
Photograph of the Year: Fiji Live- Kunal Keshneel, Fiji Sun- Leon Lord, Fiji Sun- Josua Lutumailagi Iona Buredua, Fiji Swimming- Lucy Erasito, Fiji Taekwondo Association- Rahul V Sharma, The Fiji Times Limited- Jonacani Lalakobau, The Fiji Times Limited- Baljeet Singh, Gymnastics Federation of Fiji- Serevi Nauvi, Gymnastics Federation of Fiji Robyn Santos, Weightlifting Fiji- Josua Lutumailagi Iona Buredua
Volunteer of the Year: AFL Fiji- Jekesoni Koroi, Athletics Fiji- Ilisapeci Cokanauto, Basketball Fiji- Talica Waqanivavalagi, Cricket Fiji- Salesi Moimoi, Fiji Hockey Federation- Lawrence Shaw, Fiji Islands Baseball & Softball-Assn Ken Tamaki, Fiji Rugby Union- Gabby Kautoga, Fiji Swimming- Errol Taylor, Fiji Taekwondo Association-Esther Mara, Gymnastics Federation of Fiji- Maria Alvarado, Weightlifting Fiji- Cema Naliva, World Archery Fiji- Romeo Chung, ONOC-Hanisi Erasito
Administrator of the Year: AFL Fiji- Vilisi Sukhu, Athletics Fiji- Maka Benaia, Fiji Hockey Federation-Astral Smith, Fiji National Rugby League- Nanise Tikoicina, Fiji Rugby Union- Avnil Pratap, Fiji Swimming- Lucy Erasito, Fiji Taekwondo Association- Vijay Kumar, Weightlifting Fiji- Della Shaw, World Archery Fiji- Nathan Aaron Kirk
Technical official of the Year: AFL Fiji- Loata Vakausausa, Athletics Fiji- Waisiki Koroivulavou, Basketball Fiji- Timoci Sailada, Fiji Football Association-Timo Jankowski, Fiji Hockey Federation-Ernest Movick, Fiji National Rugby League-Filipe Tabuya, Fiji Rugby Union-Lavenia Naivida Racaca, Fiji Swimming- Trisa Cheer-Dunn, Fiji Taekwondo Association- Francis Nand, Netball Fiji- Litia Rabitu, Weightlifting Fiji- Joseph Maikali Radua, World Archery Fiji- Ajay N Ballu
Team of the Year: Fiji Amateur Boxing Assn Junior & Youth Amateur Team, Fiji Hockey Federation, Fiji Women’s Hockey Team, Fiji Rugby Union- Flying Fijians, Fiji Swimming Oceania Team, Fiji Taekwondo Assn- Nakasi Taekwondo Club, Netball Fiji- Crest Fiji Men’s Netball Team, Fiji National Rugby League- Fiji Bulikula Team
FIJI Water Coach of the Year: Athletics Fiji- Fred Fatiaki, Fiji Amateur Boxing Association- Cameron Todd, Fiji Hockey Federation- Shaun Corrie, Fiji National Rugby League- Josaia Dakuitoga, Fiji Rugby Union- Mick Byrne, Fiji Swimming- Willie Elaisa, Fiji Taekwondo Association-Neelu Nand, Netball Fiji- Jioweli Vakamoce, Weightlifting Fiji- Henry Elder, World Archery Fiji-George Fong
Young Female Athlete: AFL Fiji- Merewalesi Kolitapa, Athletics Fiji- Brienna Rabakewa, Basketball Fiji- Zara Suka, Cricket Fiji- Jasvil Rokoro, Fiji Amateur Boxing Association-Merewalesi Kolitapa, Fiji Hockey- Charlotte Tabadromu, Fiji Swimming- Anahira McCutcheon, Fiji Taekwondo Association- Janya Jahnavi Kumar, Weightlifting Fiji- Mereia Turaganivalu
Young Male Athlete: Athletics Fiji- Ebenezer Saukuru, Basketball Fiji- Ratu Gosho Vishanin, Fiji Amateur Boxing Association-Norman Amram, Fiji Football Association-Maikah Dau, Fiji Hockey Federation- Joshua Queet, Fiji Swimming- Reuben Taylor, Fiji Taekwondo Association- Keeyan Kairav Kumar, Weightlifting Fiji- Nehemiah Elder
Sportswoman of the Year: Athletics Fiji- Naibili Vatunisolo, Cricket Fiji- Mele Waqanisau, Fiji Amateur Boxing Association- Jasmine Daunakamakama, Fiji Chess Federation- Makayla Sukhu, Fiji Football Association- Adi Litia Bakaniceva, Fiji Hockey Federation- Divyankar Kumar, Fiji National Rugby League-Nanise Vakacava, Fiji Paralympics Committee- Irene Mar, Fiji Rugby Union- Atelaite Ralivanawa, Fiji Swimming- Marseleima Moss, Fiji Taekwondo Association-Venice Traill, Fiji Yachting Association- Sophia Morgan, Touch Federation Fiji- Sisilia Raravula, Weightlifting Fiji- Miriama Waruvono, World Archery Fiji- Chaandvi Prasad
Sportsman of the Year: Athletics Fiji-Waisake Tewa, Cricket Fiji- Peni Volavola Vuniwaqa, FABA-Aminiasi Saratibau- FFA-Ratu Tevita Waranaivalu, Fiji Hockey Federation- Jerome James Abel Edwards, FNRL- Viliame Kikau, FRU- Selestino Ravuataumada, Fiji Swimming- David Young, Fiji Taekwondo Association- Nidhish Krishna Nand, Fiji Yachting Association-iliame Ratulu, Fiji Judo Association-Gerard J Takayawa, Touch Federation-Pita Masilaca Rasea Waqa, Weightlifting Fiji- Taniela Tuisuva Rainibogi, World Archery Fiji- Kavi Ranjan Gounder
