FIJI para table tennis representative Mere Rodan believes the launch of wheelchair rugby in Fiji will open new doors for persons with disabilities and encourage more people to step out of their comfort zones and embrace sport.
Speaking during the launch at the French Ambassador’s residence in Suva on Tuesday night, Rodan describing the moment as a significant milestone for adaptive sport development in Fiji.
Rodan said discussions around wheelchair rugby had been ongoing for years through the Spinal Injury Association, now known as Fijians with Disabilities Association (FMA).
“This is something that we had raised with my organisation, the Spinal Injury Association, which is now FMA, and for me, it’s something special because back then the support wasn’t so much since it was all very new to everyone,” she said.
Rodan acknowledged the efforts of those who pushed for the sport to become a reality, especially to the late Joshko Wakaniyasi and partner organisations that helped bring the initiative together.
She said wheelchair rugby would provide a fresh opportunity for persons with disabilities to become involved in sport and experience the same passion Fiji has for rugby.
“Fiji is known for rugby and now with wheelchair rugby, I think this is going to bring people out, persons with disabilities, to come and try the sport,” Rodan said.
The experienced para-athlete believes the sport can also help families and young people living with disabilities gain confidence and feel included in the wider sporting community.
Rodan used the occasion to call on persons with disabilities across the country to give wheelchair rugby a chance.
“Calling on persons with disabilities, male and female, those who may have gone through some sort of injury or who know they are para-athletes, you can come out and try this sport,” she said.
She added that the launch represented more than just a new sporting code, describing it as a powerful step towards inclusion and opportunity for Fiji’s disability community.
