Update: 11:29AM ILIESA Delana, welcome home.
I am deeply honoured and like many here today to speak on all our behalf in thanking Iliesa Delana in his outstanding performance in winning a gold medal in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said in his address at the celebration in Suva.
Iliesas win at the worlds highest level competition is not only the first for Fiji, but also the first gold medal for the Pacific. I am told pacific islands are also celebrating Iliesasa achievement, he says.
Today, I convey to you on behalf of all the people of Fiji, our brothers and sisters from the pacific, our collective sincere gratitude and profound appreciation of your victory.
Your victory is Fijis and the Pacific victory. You have made all of us extremely proud, Ratu Epeli told the 27-year old.