THE Fiji men's beach volleyball side showed promises of great future after soaring to new heights at the 2013 Australian Championships held in Glenelg, South Australia.
The national side of Epeli Ratabacaca and Qilu Elliot were impressive while competing against top teams with their high energy and fearless style of play.
The national team coached by Apenisa Saukuru, defeated some of the best teams Australia has to offer finishing 5th overall.
The team's involvement in the Australia Championships has been part of Beach Camp International run by International head coach Lauren McLeod and International athlete Bo Soderberg.
"Such an amazing result in their first appearance on Australian sand and with only one week training camp in preparation has the world's volleyball community quickly about the potential of this island nation to compete on the professional circuit," McLeod said.
"The team's style of play is so exciting that the crowd can't get enough of Fiji. Their determination and enthusiasm for their sport and commitment to their dreams inspired me all the way back in 2010 try to assist Fiji to become an internationally successfully beach volley nation.
"It's taken almost three years to gather the financial support to get the project started but I am certain that with the right people behind the program, Fiji will be a true contender on the FIVB International World Tour."
Marist Volleyball Club, in which Ratabacaca and Elliot play, is proud of the duos achievement.
"We are very proud of them, as they went in unseeded as wildcards up against full time professionals and came out on top to finish 5th at the tournament," club official Jone Kalouniviti said.
"We also are confident that they will go on to do greater things representing Fiji in future as now they have been recognised and will be invited for future FIVB tournaments in Australia."