FIJI Sportswoman of the Year, Merewalesi Roden deserved to be praised.
She was picked the Fijian female athlete of 2016 for her hard work as a physically challenged person who has been wheelchair-ridden for 11 years.
And, she is truly a strong woman in character, in life as a mother, and an athlete.
She lives at a squatter settlement at Vatuwaqa, Suva. Her house is about 150 metres from the main road and she has to be wheeled among houses in a narrow and winding footpath to reach her home. The footpath was built by residents of the settlement — i Taukeis and Fijians of Indian descent to help her move around. Yesterday, the prized possession was at her home, enjoyed by her children and her two grandchildren. She is 49, have six children, the younger three sons schooling while the rest have found employment.
“Now and then they come and visit, and despite my conditions we remain close,” she said.
“Today (yesterday), we celebrate over lunch with a chicken bought by one of my daughters who came to visit. It is celebration and farewell lunch since I am leaving for Samoa.”
Roden, born able, suffered from spinal cord abscess in 2006, a rare condition that can cause permanent damage to the spinal cord.
She is even amazed at her success, especially Friday’s feat.
“I did not know that I will win, but I believe this is all God’s work. Three years ago I started playing table tennis through an international sports development initiative called Smash Down Barriers by the Australian Aid’s Pacific Sports Partnerships organised by Table Tennis Australia and Oceania Table Tennis Federation.
“I tried, and the first day, I told my colleague that I liked it. I prayed that night saying ‘Lord I want to be a champion in this sport.’ On Friday, I sensed something was going to happen because almost everyone I met congratulated me, and for the first time, I saw a ramp on the sports awards stage.
“I thank the Lord and everyone who supported me for making me and my family proud,” she said.
