From Fiji Times (2 October2023)

Hanua's performance impresses Atalifo

By Meli Laddpeter

The team, which consisted of Rotumans from Nadroga and the Island of Rotuma, had been preparing for the past few months for the tournament.

"We have been preparing for this tournament for a very long time," Atalifo said.

The side was defeated by Oinafa 32-22 in the semis.

"We have a mixed team, a women's and men's team.

"The women's and men's teams came from Rotuma to come and compete at these games."

Atalifo said members had been conducting fundraising and other activities to finance their way from the island to Viti Levu.

"We have been doing this for the past eight months, and we have been able to raise $80,000."

Atalifo was also one of the members of the team that travelled from Rotuma to Viti Levu to coach his side.

"This money went towards our uniform, transportation, food, and accommodation."

Luckily, Atalifo said they had been receiving assistance from family members based in Suva and around Viti Levu.

"We were supposed to go and rent a hall here in Suva for the team to camp at, but one of the member's family gave us a house to use.

"And for that, we are grateful for all the support we have been receiving from the families of our team members."

The one-day competition was held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.

"I am very happy with the performance of our teams. I can say that all the preparation and training sessions for the past few months have been worth it all.

"Our mixed team managed to reach the semi-finals while both our men's and women's teams reached the finals."