Speaking Notes for the Itatau by the Delegation of Team Fiji to the Rio Summer Olympic Games 2016
July 21, 2016 State House, Suva
It is indeed a great pleasure for me to receive on behalf of Government and the people of Fiji, our TEAM FIJI to the RIO Summer Olympic Games of 2016.
I am aware that Team Fiji ?? scheduled t? compete in th? 2016 Summer Olympics ?n Rio, fr?m 5 t? 21 August 2016.
Th?? w?ll b? th? nation's fourteenth appearance, h?v?ng t?k?n part ?n ?v?r? summer games ??n?? 1956 ?x???t th? 1964 Summer Olympics ?n Tokyo, ?nd th? 1980 Summer Olympics ?n Moscow.
The road to Rio began way back in 2012 for our country after the games in London, and all sports began culminating their own breed to make this unique team to represent our country to Rio.
I am personally pleased as I had mentioned in my message in your souvenir booklet, this year’s team size of 88 athletes and officials for Olympic Games and 6 athletes and officials for Paralympic games is the largest since our first participation into the Olympic arena in 1956.
I am assured that you are now part of a team that statistically has the highest chance of returning home with some medals from an Olympic games.
I have been given the list of our participating sports and have also been informed that you had qualified on merit. I can say with confidence that you will all showcase your true talents that had booked you a spot in this 94 member team.
This has been a dream come true for most of you, as you have done the hard yards and are now with the chosen team to Rio.
Your hard work and determination to be part of this team is acknowledged, now the hard work to compete and bring the dedication and perseverance of training to fruition is a few days away.
I am also aware that you have made the team through your discipline in all areas of training, which includes discipline in your intake of food and drinks.
As sports people we know that maintaining a strict diet, exercising and maintaining a stress free life is the key priority to a winning team. I for one fully support that as the Champion for NCD’s in the country. We have the best combination in teams; we need to continue with the physical, psychological, mental preparation and most importantly the spiritual mindset.
The Olympic Games is a platform where athletes and spectators all around the world promote good will and peace among men and women.
Through sports your patriotism will show the world that we are motivators of achieving world peace being good ambassadors of our beloved Fiji as you interact with the world.
The Olympic Games will enhance and motivate you to learn new, innovative skills in your respective sports.
I will reiterate here, a true sportsman knows that in all competitive sports, there will be a winner and a loser.
Let us be humble in both aspects and show the world that we pride ourselves and do promote the global rebranding of the country’s tourism effort under the slogan ‘Fiji – Where Happiness Finds You’. We will be content and happy with what we achieve, but this does not limit us to reaching newer and daring for higher heights.
Enjoy the Olympic Games, set yourselves goals, aim high and work towards achieving them.
I agree with the Honourable Prime Minister, that It is our prayer and the nation’s prayer that you will bring home Fiji’s first ever Summer Olympic Gold.
On this occasion I wish to personally extend my best wishes and the Nations wishes for a successful participation.
Thank you, Vinaka Vakalevu and Dhanya Vaad.
May God Bless you all and our beloved nation, Fiji