Kava and movie night help fund AIMS dream

A Suva primary school is raising FJD$4,000 for each student travelling to next week’s Zespri AIMS Games in Tauranga, with kava barrels, movie nights and mufti days helping fund the trip.

St Anne’s Primary School will make its third appearance at the junior multi-sport tournament, with some of its netballers set to board a plane for the first time.

For most of the students representing the Suva Ferns, the trip will be their first time travelling by plane, as well as their first appearance at AIMS. Among them are Elizabeth Kean and Josephine Mata Isau, who have played together in mid-court since they were five.

Three St Anne’s Primary School netball players who will be representing Fiji at the AIMS

One player, thirteen-year-old Litiana Rakasalu, however, returns with AIMS Games experience after competing last year.

Coach Makitalena Takayawa said competing at AIMS would be significant for both the school and the players.

“It gives our students an opportunity to represent their school, compete against other schools from across the Pacific. “It is also a wonderful opportunity for them to build friendships and create lasting memories.”

Takayawa said she felt blessed to have the opportunity to guide the school netball team.

Despite limited resources, Takayawa said preparations were progressing well, with training focused on fitness, skills, teamwork and mental preparation.

“There is still work to be done, but we are pleased with the progress,” she said.

“The players have been working hard and showing great commitment.”

Teacher and team manager Matelita Baleiwai said the squad had been training three days a week since May.

St Anne’s Primary School netball team bonding.

Baleiwai said it would be her first time taking students on the trip, and the girls were looking forward to enjoying the tournament and experiencing New Zealand’s weather and culture.

“We will perform a traditional iTaukei meke and a contemporary item,” she said. “We will also sing two traditional Fijian songs, including a farewell song.”

The team is scheduled to arrive on Thursday, 3 September, with a travelling group of 11 students, 12 parents and three teachers. The contingent includes a badminton player representing the school at AIMS, while one of the netball players is the granddaughter of Fiji’s president, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.