Fortech emerged as the 2026 Bara Battle champions as the Frank Hilton Organisation raised a record $250,000 to support children with disabilities through its residential care services at Albert Park in Suva today.
Chief Executive Officer Sureni Perera described the event as an "absolutely amazing" success, saying the organising team was kept busy throughout the day but was encouraged by the overwhelming support from the crowd and participating corporate teams.
She says every dollar raised will go towards supporting children with disabilities, particularly those living at the Frank Hilton Home.
Perera says the Frank Hilton Organisation provides allied health, education and residential care services to more than 700 children with disabilities every year.
She says the Bara Battle specifically raises funds for the Frank Hilton Home, a 24-hour residential care facility that supports children with very high support needs who do not have families to care for them.
The CEO says the home is staffed by 15 caregivers who provide around-the-clock care, and it costs about $300,000 a year to operate.
She says while the Government provides about 20 percent of the funding, the remaining costs are met through fundraising initiatives such as the Bara Battle.
The CEO says this year's event attracted 25 corporate teams, up from 23 last year, while the amount raised increased from nearly $160,000 in 2025 to a record $250,000 this year.
She highlighted that Team Harcourts and Team Bagel Boys alone raised nearly $120,000, demonstrating the corporate sector's strong commitment to supporting children with disabilities.
Looking ahead, Perera says next year's event will be held in June and will mark the 11th year of the Wheelbarrow Race and the 10th year of the physical race.
She is encouraging more businesses to take part, noting that the $5,000 corporate team entry fee goes directly towards changing the lives of children with disabilities in Fiji.
Meanwhile, Fortech also claimed the Fastest Team title, while TFL won the Speed Walking event in an impressive time of 8 minutes and 29 seconds.
BSP became the first women's team to cross the finish line, while Fiji Payroll (Stands South Pacific Limited), dressed as the iconic Despicable Me Minions, took out the Best Dressed Team award for their creativity and team spirit.
