The Prime Minister has led the nation in congratulating the Fiji Team participating at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.
The head of the Fijian Government sent a message to the Fiji Team congratulating them on their first gold medal win at the games and wished them the best of luck in their remaining events, which the team was elated to hear.
Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Laisenia Tuitubou was the first to know of the gold medal win this morning and called in to congratulate Team Fiji in Los Angeles.
“Congratulations for the gold medal win and Fiji is indeed celebrating your victory with you the winning athlete Abdul Shariff.”
He went on to say that Fiji’s achievement at the World Games is proof that “Fijian sportsmen and women despite their physical status and ability can perform well at the world stage.”
Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Iliesa Delana relayed the message to the team after the gold medal win and it was well received at the Fiji camp with loud cheers.
The Fiji Sports Council chief executive officer Ms Litiana Loabuka and the Ministry of Youth and Sports permanent secretary Mr Josefa Sania also joined many others sending their congratulatory messages to the special athletes, wishing them well in the remaining days of competition.
“I wish to first of all thank Government – Ministry of Youth and Sports, Peter Mazey and his team at the Fiji National Sports Commission for their tremendous support in ensuring that these special athletes reached Los Angeles to participate at the World Games,” Team Fiji Manager Bishwa Sidal said.
“If it wasn’t for Government’s support and assistance, we wouldn’t have made it. And also Goodman Fielder for our colourful attire and sports gears,” Bishwa Sidal said.
“We are just overwhelmed at the results and it was all possible through the support we received back home and most importantly the support of parents of these students with special needs.”
Mr Bishwa promised to pay each athlete $100 each for any gold medal win and after the win he is “hopeful for more support and incentives offered to recognise these athletes in the future.”
The team will continue to participate in the coming days and is expected to leave Los Angeles on Monday 3rd August Los Angeles time.