29
Apr, 2023

MBHS, ACS crowned 2023 champions

Zaitun Sahim | APRIL 29, 2023

Marist Brothers High School and Adi Cakobau School have been crowned the 2023 Coca Cola Games champions in the boys’ and girls’ divisions respectively.

MBHS reclaimed the boy’s title after a lapse of six years, collecting 13 gold, six silver and seven bronze medals.

Coach Antonio Raboiliku credited the commitment of the athletes as well as the support of the school community for the eight-month turnaround which saw the boys from Kaunikuila improve from their sixth-place finish in last year’s Fiji Finals.

“We simply went back to the drawing board, there were a lot of big decisions that needed to be made. Marist is well-known for athletics and there are so many good coaches but we have been so blessed to be given a chance and get the school where it used to be. A few of us coaches got together, putting things together and today we have reaped what we sowed.”

Ratu Kadavulevu School won nine gold, eight silver and six bronze medals to finish in second place while defending champions Suva Grammar School finished in third place with seven gold, seven silver and six bronze.

ACS reclaimed the girls’ division title for the third year in a row with 10 gold, seven silver and six bronze medals.

Coach and former sprint queen Makelesi Bulikiobo-Batimala says despite only a seven-week preparation, her athletes followed the strategy set out to pull off the stunning win.

“Time of preparation was very short, we had to be very strategic with what we plan in what we put and we trained them accordingly. we changed a few things in order to get them ready for these games.”

Batimala says the athletes will not rest on their laurels as they now turn their focus to their off-season program, in preparation for next years’ Coca Cola Games.

Suva Grammar finished in second place with eight gold, five silver and eight bronze with MGM finishing in third with seven gold, eight silver and five bronze medals.

29
Apr, 2023

Coke Games 2023 | ACS coach savours victory

PAULINI CURUQARA | 30 April, 2023

The girls believed in themselves and worked hard despite the short time for preparation.

Adi Cakobau School head coach and former middle distance runner Makelesi Bulikiobo said it wasn’t easy taking up the challenge in a short time.

Coming in as a replacement for Moape Vu, Bulikiobo said they had to work with what they had.

“It was through God’s grace that we did it,” she said.

“The girls trained their hearts out and got the results that we all need.

“I thank the athletes, the teachers, parents and supporters for their never-ending support.”

When asked if she will continue to coach the Waimanu girls at next year’s Coke Games, she said she would wait on the school’s athletics committee to decide.

10
Oct, 2019

Self Confidence Paves The Way

20191010 | Ilaijia Ravuwai | The Fiji Sun

The 2019 Dux, Belinda Erasito preferred athletics but at Adi Cakobau School, she learned that with the right focus, she could balance sports with academics.

“ACS has taught me that we can be the best in anything if we put our minds to it.”

These were the sentiments of Berlinda Lupe Druava Erasito, who scored the highest in Mathematics, Accounting, Economics and computer studies to take the Adi Cakobau School dux prize.

Berlinda hails from Rotuma and has maternal links to Rewa.

The 18-year-old said: “Joining Adi Cakobau was the greatest decision that she had made,

“I never thought or imagined attending this top all-girls boarding school.

“I was more into athletics but am grateful and thankful I attended ACS. The school has helped me prove that you can balance sports with academics if you put your mind to it,” Ms Erasito said.

“ACS is one of the best schools and holds its head up high in athletics and education at any given time in the school calendar.”

Berlinda dedicates her achievements to her father who lives in Rotuma.

ACS principal, Arieta Yauvoli, said that after 71 years since its establishment, the school was still surviving, still strong and still going.

“We are grateful to our prize getters here and understand that they will continue to fly the Adi Cakobau School banner in whatever future endeavours they will pursue now,” Ms Yauvoli said.

The Sawani-based school has more than 900 students.

Learn how to get at Adi Cakobau School.

29
Oct, 2017

Helping Fijians In Ruci’s Heart

Ashna Kumar | 20172910 | The Fiji Sun

The 2017 dux of Adi Cakobau School wants to become a doctor only to help her fellow Fijians afford medical treatment.

Year 13 Ruci Joy Lauvanua, eldest of three, could not hold back her emotions yesterday when she walked to the stage to receive the school’s Dux award during the ACS annual prize-giving ceremony in Sawani, Nausori.

Overwhelmed with the numerous awards she was presented, young Ruci, who has maternal links to the Solomon Islands, said she intended to use her knowledge to become a doctor to help Fijians who could not afford expensive treatment.

“I come from a big family, and I want to help Fijians with medical benefits because there has been a time when my family could not afford to undergo surgery or buy proper medicine, which costs a lot of money,” the 18-year-old said.

“My dream is to become a doctor, which is why I am always interested in the field of science. I also want to keep myself motivated to study to become the first doctor in my family. And I know I will do it to make my family’s dream come true,” she said.

She dedicated the awards to her parents, whom she said had sacrificed to meet her academic needs.

“This dux award is worth my parent’s sacrifices,” she said.

“There have been times during my years at ACS when my parents could not afford my education needs and wants, but they never complained. They always stood by my side and gave me everything I had requested.”

She urged her juniors and younger sister not to quit her studies. She said: “It does not matter how difficult the moments are; as long as you have faith that you can do it, then you will.

“It is important to keep yourself motivated and always focus on your studies because it builds you, and people will recognise you.” 

Learn how to get into ACS

27
Nov, 2014

Rotuma Girl Tops ACS

2014, November 27 | The Fiji Sun

Noa’tau, Rotuma girl, Juleen Samuela, 19, was over the moon after being announced the Adi Cakobau School 2014 dux during the school’s prizegiving yesterday.

Juleen said she could not describe how she felt when her name was announced.

“I am relieved now because all my hard work paid off and what my parents did for me as well,” she said

She said being a Rotuman and educated at an iTaukei dominated school was never a challenge because the school had warmly welcomed any student who joined.

“It was fine. They welcomed us, been very supportive and it has an all around learning approach and not only focuses on academic work.

“My parents have always been supportive of me and the teachers at the school have always been encouraging,” she said.

Juleen credited the school for giving her an opportunity to fulfill the potential she had.

“Joining this school has always been a push factor in my achieving this award. We wake up early in the morning and study and being a boarding student has also been very helpful.”

She also won subject prizes in English, Maths, Physics, the Best Science Student and the Fiji School Leaving Certificate Highest aggregate in 2013.

Her mother, Selai Samuela, said her daughter deserved the award because she was always consistent in her work.

She admitted her daughter to ACS because she wanted her to experience boarding life in school, plus other things.

Source: https://fijisun.com.fj/2014/11/27/rotuma-girl-tops-acs/

Learn more about ACS.