A POLITICAL party has joined the nation in congratulating golden farm boy Iliesa Delana in winning the men's high jump F42 category at the 20120 Paralympics in London on Tuesday morning.
The Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) Party also extended its congratulations to the Fiji Paraplegic Association and also those involved in Mr Delana's accomplishment.
Party president Solomone Naivalu said Mr Delana's giant leap made not only his immediate family proud, but touched the lives of every Fijian who also basked in his moment of triumph and glory.
He said Mr Delana's achievement was testimony to the fact that whatever the mind conceived it could achieve.
"The mind is indeed a powerful tool that when applied diligently with the conviction and desire for success, nothing is impossible," Mr Naivalu said.
"Delana has proven that despite physical disabilities, the sky is really the limit when the three major components of life, that is, the mind, body and soul synchronise in perfect harmony." Mr Naivalu said the word delana in the iTaukei language meant mountain.
"This achievement in the London Paralympics is indeed a mountain to climb in future games," he said.
Mr Naivalu said Fijians had a lot to learn from Mr Delana's conquest. "It is certainly a feat worth emulating by our youths in whatever field they apply themselves in," he said.
Mr Delana cleared the bar by 1.74 metres in his first attempt, setting a new Fiji and Oceania record.