The success of the Fiji men’s and Fijiana 7s teams in the Olympic Games is paving the way for good fortunes for Team Fiji Paralympics in Japan.
Fijian duo Iosefo Rakesa and Inosi Matea Bulimairewa are getting many followers in Tokyo since their arrival last week.
“The popularity left behind by the Fiji men’s gold and Fijiana 7s team’s bronze medal wins had trickled down to us and it has boosted the morale of our athletes,” Team Fiji Paralympics coach Fred Fatiaki said from Japan yesterday.
“There are a lot of volunteers here from the Olympic Games and when they see the name Fiji on our uniforms, they say, ‘Fiji, oh the sevens champions.’ Some even say ‘Bula,’ and to be recognised and warmly greeted is a big thing for Inosi and Iosefo.
It has psyched them up and I’ve seen a different level of determination in them since we arrived.”
Fatiaki is a respected coach and a double Olympian having coached Fiji’s first gold medallist from the games in Iliesa Delana.
The Naisausau, Namara, Tailevu-born lad set a 1.74m games record in the F42 high jump category for single leg amputees without prosthesis at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London.
Fatiaki said the prayers and support from home, the preparations and the legacy left behind by the men’s and Fijiana 7s teams had mentally boosted our pair to compete for gold medals.
“They are on a good platform and are absorbing everything around them now after we arrived. Iosefo was the flagbearer in the opening ceremony on Tuesday night.
