2018 was an eventful and successful year for Fiji Swimming. This year, we recorded the largest number of swimmers training in local clubs, and an increasingly growing number training abroad as well, on various scholarships. Our Grand Prix circuit and Nationals witnessed multiple records broken, and new ones set. Furthermore, the representation of our National Federation at multiple regional and international events below, has inspired our swimmers and extended community to compete against and aspire to become international standards.
- Commonwealth Games in Goldcoast, Australia
- XII Oceania Games in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Suva, Fiji
- New Zealand Open Championships in Auckland, New Zealand
- The 14th FINA Short Course Swimming Championships in Hangzhou, China
In addition to our international outings, we hosted 8 local competitions made up of 6 Grand Prixs, and 2 Nationals that ran from February to September. These 8 competitions showcased Fiji Swimming’s 9 member clubs, made up over 450 swimmers from Suva, Nadi and Lautoka. These 9 clubs compete in a demanding calendar of competitions, that include local meets and international tours, strategically placed, as we prepare for the 2 highly anticipated pipeline commitments: the 2019 Pacific Games and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
2018 also saw Fiji Swimming spearhead a grassroots swimming program called the Pacific Sports Partnership (PSP) program. This was made possible through the Oceania Swimming Association, Swimming Australia and the Australian Government: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Through this program, we have been able to provide swimming programs in the community, and raise awareness around drowning prevention within the urban centers, villages, and schools. In addition, a recent collaboration with the Fiji Sports Commission, saw an opportunity where we were able to assist in rolling out an Outreach program in Vaturova, Cakaudrove.
A big achievement on 2018’s calendar is the hosting of the Junior Pan Pacific Championships. This event saw 11 international teams made up of over 250 swimmers and 80 Officials. While this was a junior event, it saw development teams from Swimming Powerhouse Nations right here at the Damodar City Aquatic Center complex. This event saw the fastest swimming that the pool has ever witnessed. With our swimmers, spectators and the community at large, having this experience and going up against the World’s best juniors, it provided the timely boost needed to propel our swimmers forward to 2019 Samoa and 2020 Tokyo.
As we welcome in the new year, Fiji Swimming is proud to announce the Provisional team to the 2019 Pacific Games totaling 28 swimmers. They will be required to meet Qualifying Times this season ahead, with the last opportunity at the 2019 Easter Weekend Fiji Games. Congratulations to the following:
Swimmers:
- Taichi Vakasama
- Epeli Rabua
- Matelita Buadromo
- Yolani Blake
- Rosemarie Rova
- Hefu Erasito
- James Kado
- Moana Wind
- Jane Smith
- Ella Rasau
- Samuel Yalimaiwai
- Temafa Yalimaiwai
- Aimee Elaisa
- Marion Kotobalavu
- Paul Elaisa
- Jodie Puamau
- Cheyenne Rova
- Kalen Eyre
- Jayzon Requina
- Damien Kitione
- Thomas Librieghts
- Oakley Johns
- Tevita Fotofili
- Netani Ross
- Mosese Bobi
- Calum Lobendahn
- Hansel McCaig
- Wilson Erasito
- Jeremiah Faktaufon
Coaches and Management:
- Rosemary Rova
- Marlene Blake
- Sharon Smith
- Ester Malani
- Willie Elaisa
- Lucy Erasito
- Paula Cokanasiga
To all our supporters and partnering sponsors in 2018, Fiji Swimming wishes to send our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your support. Vinaka Vakalevu! We look forward to your continued assistance as we embark on a new journey in 2019.
Fiji Swimming 03/01/2019