From Fiji Times Online (14 October 2012)

Joint winners in Rotuma games

by Rashneel Kumar

RA'ESEA and Sarafui were joint winners of the annual Rotuma Sports Day held at Laucala in Suva yesterday.

Ra'asea's Aliti Mema'ofa gets ready to set the ball against Sarafui during the Rotuma sports day at the National Gymnasium in Suva yesterday. Picture: Jonacani Lalakobau

Sarafui, which is a household name in rugby and cricket in Suva, scooped rugby and netball titles while Ra'esea won the men's and women's volleyball competition.

Organising committee member Christopher Rigamoto of Sarafui said both teams amassed equal points following the completion of the events.

Rugby, netball and volleyball were the sports played in the day-long event.

"We try our best to improve the event every year and we do achieve some of our goals. The main reason to organise the sports day is to get everyone of us together," Rigamoto said.

"This year's event was good and we did see some great competition amongst the participating teams."

Rigamoto said they hoped to stage a bigger and better event next year.

Nadi-based Granville, which won the Rotuma Sports Day last year is likely to host the event and Rigamoto added they anticipated an increase in the number of teams.

"At the moment we have Sarafui, Satarua, Ra'esea and Granville competing in the Rotuma Sports Day. Previously, we had teams from Vatukoula and Lautoka, who are no longer part of the games."

Meanwhile, Freddy Fatiaki, coach of Paralympics gold medallist Iliesa Delana, was the chief guest at the Sports Day.

Rigamoto said Fatiaki's presence was inspirational to young and upcoming Rotuman athletes.

Some top Rotuman players, who have represented the nation, include Cecelia Sorby, Lucy Yakapo, Lisa Faktaufon, Bernadette Ramafono, Graham Dewes, Fatiaki Ravai, Victor Atalifo, Elaijie Erasito, Paul Erasito and Margie Erasito

Results (finals)

Rugby - Sarafui 19 Satarua 11, Netball - Sarafui 23 Satarua 0, Volleyball (men) - Ra'esea 2 Sarafui 0, Volleyball (women) - Ra'esea 2 Sarafui 0, Mixed Netball - Sarafui.