30
Sep, 2023

Miriama Senokonoko In Top Form

Former Adi Cakobau School athletics sprinter Miriama Senokonoko is in top form after graduating from New Mexico Military Institute in the United States over the weekend. Senokonoko also competed in

By Eroni Tuinaceva, FijiSun | 20151905

From left: Fijian volleyball scholarship recipient Mere Serea, New Mexico Scholarship Co-ordinator Dan O’Connell and athletics scholarship recipient Miriama Senokonoko after graduatiing from New Mexico Military Institute last Sunday. Photo: Dan O’Connell

Former Adi Cakobau School athletics sprinter Miriama Senokonoko is in top form after graduating from New Mexico Military Institute in the United States over the weekend.

Senokonoko also competed in the 2015 National Junior College Athletics Association Championships and recorded 11.77 metres in the women’s triple jump final, placing 5th overall.

Analaisa Senokonoko, the 20-year-old’s mother, revealed to SUNsports yesterday that the former Coca-Cola Games champion had slowed down last year because of an injury.

“She sat out most of last season because she had suffered a leg injury. But this season she’s been focussing more on triple jump.

“Her coach at New Mexico Military Institute Jack Batson had been keeping us updated on her progress and he’s very pleased with what she has accomplished so far.”

Senokonoko had earlier this year in March set a new record for her school in the triple jump at the McMurry Warhawk Track and Field Invitational, jumping a distance of 11.30 metres, breaking the old record of 9.99 metres set in 2007.

Meanwhile, NMMI Scholarship Co-ordinator Dan O’Connell took to his Facebook page over the weekend to congratulate Senokonoko on her graduation from the institute and wished her well.

“Miri finished fifth in the nation in the triple jump. I want to thank their caring coaches Shelby, Pam and Jack. Mere and Miri will remember the life lessons their coaches taught. These ladies have been outstanding ambassadors of the ONOC/Australia Foundation junior college scholarship programme. Best wishes always and good luck in all you do!” he posted on his wall.

Graduating alongside Senokonoko was national volleyball scholarship recipient Mere Serea. Senokonoko is expected back in the country today.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2015/05/19/miriama-senokonoko-in-top-form/
30
Sep, 2023

A life well lived

TALEBULA KATE | 3 July, 2023, 4:16 pm

Fiji’s first woman deputy prime minister Dr Meraia Taufa Vakatale was farewelled by close friends and family at the John Wesley Mission Church in Suva last Friday.

Ms Vakatale lived most of her life in the civil service as an educator, politician and also became the first female acting prime minister for Fiji.

Former and current Adi Cakobau School students, Turaga na Vunivalu na Tui Kaba Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa were among those who paid tribute at the church service.

She became the first indigenous woman to be elected as a Cabinet minister and served as the minister for education, science and technology from 1993 to 1995.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as eulogies were delivered by close families and friends of Ms Vakatale’s days as a teacher, diplomat, and mother.

Daughter, Alanieta Vakatale, said her mother still lived on, not only in the lives of her family but also in all her friends and those whose lives she touched.

“She always challenged us as a family to do better and be better always,” she said.

“Above all, she taught us never to take ourselves seriously, to have fun and laughs in our lives. We will miss her.”

Ms Vakatale is survived by a daughter, four stepdaughters, three grandchildren connected through nieces and nephews raised throughout the years. She was laid to rest at the Lovonilase cemetery.

A life well lived
30
Sep, 2023

From Tracks To Rugby

She won a gold medal for Adi Cakobau School (ACS) in the senior girl’s 100 metres in the 2017 Coca-Cola Games in Suva.

By Waisea Nasokia, Fiji Sun | 20220402

Laisani Moceisawana of the Mt Masada rugby 7s team at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

She won a gold medal for Adi Cakobau School (ACS) in the senior girl’s 100 metres in the 2017 Coca-Cola Games in Suva.

Yesterday, Laisani Moceisawana made her 7s rugby debut in the first leg of the Fun Flavour Super Fiji Rugby Sevens Series at La­waqa Park, Sigatoka.

Playing for Mount Masada, the 23-year-old showed speed on the wing as they romped to a 49-0 win over Striders, followed by a 29-10 triumph over the Seahawks.

Speaking to SUNsports, Mocei­sawana admitted that making the transition from athletics to 7s rug­by was not easy.

“It’s an uphill battle,” she said.

“The challenge is in the training part. Compared to athletics sevens rugby is more like a man’s sport.”

Moceisawana said what made it challenging was that being a sprinter you kept running towards the tape (finishing line).

“In rugby, you tackle, get tackled, run towards the try line and then you do the same thing over and over. It is so intense, but I’ve man­aged to survive it.”

Originally from Somosomo in Taveuni, she is grateful to be part of the Saiasi Fuli coached-Fiji Air­ways Fijiana 7s extended squad.

“It is great to be among the play­ers as experience does matter in anything you do,” she said.

“This is a good experience be­cause I have never played rugby be­fore. I am glad to be here and will­ing to learn more as I go along.”

Moceisawana also praised the tournament organisers for making it a competitive one.

“It’s great because we are exposed to this level of competition. It is well-organised and my best wishes to the other teams,” she said.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2022/02/04/from-tracks-to-rugby/
30
Sep, 2023

It’s ACS Again

Adi Cakobau School retains the Coca-Cola Games girls’ division title at the ANZ Stadium, Suva yesterday. The girls from Sawani amassed 19 gold, 12 silvers and 9 bronze med­als. Jasper

By Nacanieli Tuilevuka, Suva, Fiji Sun | 20182204

Girls division winner Adi Cakobau School at ANZ Stadium on April 21, 2018. Photo: Ronald Kumar.

Adi Cakobau School retains the Coca-Cola Games girls’ division title at the ANZ Stadium, Suva yesterday.

The girls from Sawani amassed 19 gold, 12 silvers and 9 bronze med­als.

Jasper Williams High came sec­ond (11 gold, 13 silvers, 6 bronze), St Joseph’s Secondary third (5 gold, 5 silvers, 8 bronze) and Suva Grammar fourth (3 gold, 3 silvers, 2 bronze).

ACS athletics coach Antonio Raboiliku said each athlete played their part.

He dedicated their win to five par­ents, two of whom patrons of the ACS athletics team, who died ear­lier this year.

“That is why athletes wore black armbands,” he said.

“Our fallen heroes contributed a lot to the success of the team and the win is for them.”

He said the school’s preparation for the Fiji Finals started last year after all external examinations fin­ished.

“After exams in 2017, we had start­ed preparing for this year’s Fiji Final. We entered the competition determined that we would defend our title and win the blue-ribbon event. We knew who our underdogs were,” he said.

“Students had a strict training programme. This win did not come easy. The students put more effort so we could defend the title.

“This win is also dedicated to old scholars, teachers, coaches and parents. This could not be possible without God’s provision and guid­ance to the team,” he said.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2018/04/22/its-acs-again/
30
Sep, 2023

ACS successfully retains Girls title.

By Noa Biudole, fijilive | 20232904

Adi Cakobau School stood above the rest to retain the Girls title in the 2023 Coca- Cola Games at the HFC Bank Stadium today.

The ladies of Sawani overcome great competition to win 23 medals including 10 gold medals, seven silver medals and six bronze medals.

Suva Grammar School finished a tight second with 21 medals won including eight gold medals, five silver medals and eight bronze medals.

Mahatma Ghandi Memorial High School settled for third place with a haul of 20 medals including seven gold medals, eight silver, and five bronze medals.

https://fijilive.com/acs-successfully-retains-girls-title/