RADRADRA ARRIVES IN TIME TO CHECK OUT WITH TEAM FIJI

Team Fiji men’s rugby sevens rep Semi Radradra has arrived in Narita, Tokyo, Japan, right on time to check out together with the Team Fiji contingent for the Olympic Games.

This was confirmed yesterday by Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor.

The Bristol Bears centre who is based in London was supposed to meet the team in Singapore. It did not eventuate due to a change of flight plan caused by the COVID-19 restrictions in Asia.

The Team Fiji contingent to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan were farewelled by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama through a video message on Thursday night.

As part of his video message at the Nadi International Airport, Bainimarama urged the athletes to perform their best while representing the country in various sports.

“Fiji is a small contender with a huge heart, a strong punch, and a lot of fight inside it,” the Prime Minister said.

“When you march into the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo under our flag of Fiji blue, you carry the support and the ambitions of every Fijian.

“And when you step up to compete in your event, every Fijian will be at your side, knowing that you will give everything you have inside you at that moment.

“You will give all your strength, all your endurance, all your spirit, and all your concentration to perform better than you have ever performed.

“And when you have done that, you will have represented Fiji proudly and nobly.”

Bainimarama acknowledged the athlete’s sacrifice and hard work during their training and assured them of the country’s support.

The athletes were also reminded to show the world the kind of people Fijians are through sportsmanship and good behaviour both on and off the field.

While expressing similar sentiments, Minister for Youth and Sports Parveen Bala also recognised the enormous sacrifices each team has made and wished them well in their games.

The Team Fiji contingent once cleared from Narita will move to Oita to finalise their preparations before moving to the Games Village.

Photo: FASANOC Team Fiji men’s swimmer Taichi Vakasama (Left), swimming coach Sharon Smith, Team Fiji COVID-19 liaison officer Wayne O’Connor and FASANOC chief executive Lorraine Mar at Nadi International Airport on July 8, 2021.

Photo: FASANOC Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama addresses the Team Fiji contingent through a video message at Nadi International Airport on July 8, 2021.

Photo: FASANOC From left: Team Fiji table tennis women’s coach Harvi Yee, women’s player Sally Yee and a Tuvaluan athlete at Nadi International Airport on July 8, 2021.