Taniela Rainibogi and Miriama Taletawa of Weightlifting Fiji named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year 2023

Fiji’s weightlifters, Taniela Rainibogi and Miriama Taletawa were awarded the Fiji Sports Council 2023 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively during the Fiji Sports Awards 2023 that was held at the Vodafone Arena last night.

Former Fiji Water Flying Fijians coach Simon Raiwalui was named the Fiji Water Coach of the Year, Trisa Cheer Dunn from swimming was awarded the Sports World 2023 Technical Official of the Year and Astral Smith of the Fiji Hockey Federation was awarded the Fiji Sports Council Volunteer of the Year award.

Jonacani Lalakobau from Fiji Times was awarded the FBC Sports Photograph of the Year and Anushil Kumar from the Fiji Football Association was awarded the ONOC HANISI 2023 Sports Administrator of the Year.

Netball Fiji was named the Fiji Sports Council Sports Organisation of the Year and the Fiji Water Flying Fijian was named the Asco Motors Sports Team of the Year.

Swimmer Anahira McCutcheon was awarded the UNIT Trust of Fiji Young Female Athlete of the Year award and Nehemiah Elder from Fiji Weightlifting was named the Vodafone 2023 Young Male Athlete of the Year.

While officiating at the event, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reaffirmed the Coalition Government’s commitment to supporting sports development at all levels in Fiji and added that it will continue to invest in our athletes, improve our sports infrastructure and promote inclusivity in sports.

Rabuka highlighted that the Government recognises the importance of providing opportunities for everyone in Fiji, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or ability, to participate in sports and pursue their dreams.

He says we all have a responsibility to nurture the next generation of athletes and he urges the young people to take up this challenge.

He says Fiji has continued to shine on the global sports stage and has made significant strides in various sports.

Meanwhile, the Fiji 7s Men’s team members that won silver at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games were present at the event as well and were presented their $20,000 prize money.