THE hopes of a nation were formally placed in the hands of Team Fiji’s 58 athletes yesterday as they presented their traditional iTatau to the Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru, during a farewell ceremony at the VIP Lounge of HFC Bank Stadium.
The ceremony marked the government’s official blessing of Team Fiji’s campaign ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where the national contingent will compete from July 23 to August 2.
Accepting the iTautau on behalf of the government and the people of Fiji, Saukuru reminded the athletes that they were carrying more than just the national flag, they were continuing a proud sporting legacy built over generations of Fijian representatives.
“Our history at the Commonwealth Games is not merely a record of participation. It is a chronicle of greatness.”
He said Fiji’s Commonwealth journey, which began in 1938, had produced athletes who inspired the nation through courage, determination, and resilience, proving that success is earned through discipline and sacrifice rather than the size of a country’s population.
“We want the world to know that although Fiji may be small in size, we are a nation with a giant spirit.”
Saukuru said the athletes had earned the opportunity to represent Fiji through the years of commitment and preparation, encouraging them to trust their training, remain united, and compete with confidence throughout the games.
“I am confident that you have prepared thoroughly for this competition. Trust your preparation, believe in yourself, support one another, and compete with courage and confidence.”
The Minister also acknowledged the commitment of coaches, managers, officials, medical personnel, and support staff, saying their efforts had been instrumental in preparing Team Fiji for one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events.
He also thanked families, sporting teams, and the government for the sacrifices made to support the athletes’ journey.
As Team Fiji prepares to depart for Glasgow in the coming days, Saukuru urged the athletes to compete with passion, integrity, and humility, reminding them that every performance would carry the hopes and prayers of Fijians both at home and abroad.
Saukuru concluded by reminding the athletes that every time they wore the Fiji colours, they would carry the hopes and prayers of the nation.
“Remember that every time you wear the Fiji colours, you carry the hopes, dreams, and prayers of every Fijian.
Compete with passion, play with integrity, show respect to your fellow competitors, and, above all, represent Fiji with pride and humility.
Team Fiji will depart for Scotland in phases ahead of the games, with the boxing team having already left on July 4 for a pre-games training camp in Ireland before travelling to Glasgow.
The 3×3 basketball, bowls, and swimming events are scheduled to depart on July 20.
The athletics and weightlifting squads will follow on July 22, with the remainder of the delegation travelling to their competition schedules as Fiji prepares for the games.
As the athletes begin their journey, they will carry with them the hopes of a nation and the responsibility of adding another proud chapter to Fiji’s Commonwealth Games history.
