AFTER 87 years of existence Namata District School in Tailevu had its first sports awards night on Friday.
Head teacher Jone Nabou said this was a historic event and hosting an awards night for the children was something to give back to the students for representing their school in different sports.
“We have a lot of children from Namata Village who attend other schools and during the two weeks holidays we had our kids rugby friendship carnival and we formed a team to participate in the tournament and our under-13 rugby team won the plate final,” he said.
“This is to show our appreciation to the students and to remind them that they can be future Fiji reps if they continue to play hard.
“We have some well-known rugby players who hail from Namata and have represented Fiji in rugby, like brothers Inoke Male and Waisiki Masirewa and with the initiative that we have done we have set a pathway for our children that they can become something in the future.
“We’ve seen a lot of talented netball and rugby players in this school and we have advised parents to support their children in any extracurricular activities that the students take part in.”
Nabou said another aim they were focusing on was to get in children from the village attending other schools to come and join Namata Distrist School.
“During the carnival these kids had asked if they could play for our team and we agreed to let them play.
“We had six students from Toga District School that were members of the under-13 team that won the plate final.
“All we want is to get our children excel in academic studies and also in sports.”
Chief Guest, Minister for Youth and Sport Laisenia Tuitubou, said having a sports awards night would boost young and aspiring athletes to use their talents and athletic abilities to their best.
“Sports is now source of employment. Government recognises this fact and is investing in sports development, building sporting facilities, sponsoring international training and hiring of international coaches,” he said.
“The Ministry for Youth and Sports is partnering with education ministry to promote sports at primary school level.”
Awards
U10 Get in to rugby
Most improved player: Viliame Vakatabuiwaca
Best player: Jone Roko
U11 Girls netball
Most improved player: Mereani Bua
Best player: Elenoa Adicakau
U13 boys rugby
Most improved player: Maikeli Naulivou
Best player: Samuela and Iliesa Lemoya
U14 Girls netball
Most improved player: Venina Vesikuru
Best player: Unaisi Male
U14 Get into rugby
Most improved player: Litiea Loki
Best player: Asenaca Rabuku.
