Islanders join Fiji to celebrate

Henry Oritaimae
Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Solomon Islands students studying in Fiji were part of the Fiji 7s team gold medal victory celebrations at the ANZ Stadium in Suva on Monday.

Among them was University of the South Pacific student Lowen Toganivava.

“I feel this victory is not only for Fiji , but for all the Pacific Islands. I’m proud as a Pacific Islander that they have won. It’s a victory for all of us,” he said.

“I think all Fijians stood behind the team throughout the tournament. I haven’t seen or heard any Fijian critiqued the players or the team management,” he said.

He said Fiji had set an example in sports for Pacific Island nations.

“We can learn from them. My country loves soccer and we have many hidden talents, but if responsible authorities put more focus on developing talents, I believe improvement is possible.

“For example, we need overseas assistance to develop our sports, just like what Ben Ryan did with the Fiji 7s players,” he said.

Another USP student, Gregory Fo’asilafu said the celebrations meant a lot to him as a Pacific islander.

“I am proud of the Fiji 7s team because they are our Pacific Rugby 7s champions and they represented not only Fiji, but the Pacific Island nations,” he said.

He said Fiji had set the precedence that the Pacific could compete in any world sporting event.

“I flew the Fiji flag high and felt empowered that we, the small island nations, can become champions in world sports,” he said.