Team Fiji has set one of her own records before the start of the 2022 Commonwealth Games tomorrow at Birmingham, England.
Fijian contingent chef de mission and former Fiji 15s rugby skipper Sale Sorovaki yesterday announced Para-athlete Naibili Vatunisolo and veteran lawn bowler Semesa Naiseruvati as Fiji’s flag bearers to the opening ceremony tomorrow night.
“These two athletes exemplify everything our team needs and respects through these outstanding role-models,” Sorovaki said.
Criteria for nomination for flag bearers included that the athlete should be the best performing athlete in their sport since the last Commonwealth Games in 2018, and who champion fair play and sportsmanship.
“Both are high-achieving athletes, but just as important, they are each great people who set an example for others each and every day.”
Naibili, of Nadroga, sets the record of being the flag bearer in two respective games after being given the honour in the recent Pacific Games in Saipan, Marshall Islands.
Naiseruvati, of Lomaiviti, after years of playing across greens in Fiji and many internationals including the Gold Coast, Australia CG, is excited of being given the honour of hoisting Fiji’s flag for the first time for Team Fiji.
“It is a special feeling holding that flag,” Vatunisolo said.
“It makes me want to do better and really give my best and not let the rest of my teammates down.
“Throughout the years, I have been representing my country, but this is the first time I will get the opportunity to be flag bearer,” said Naiseruvati, who started professional bowling in 1999 at the Suva Bowling Club.
“It is a huge responsibility and one I do not take lightly.”
During the Parade of Nations at the 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony tomorrow, athletes bearing the flags of their respective nations will lead their team delegations as they march into Alexander Stadium in the host city of Birmingham, England.
Seventy-two nations will be participating in the Games.
As per tradition, the host of the last Games, Australia, will enter first, followed by the rest of the Oceania countries.
Following Oceania, all countries will enter in alphabetical order from their respective regions this being Africa, Americas, Asia, Caribbean and Europe.
The host nation England will march in last.
Meanwhile, Fiji could be the early medal winners with 7s rugby starting tomorrow and throughout the weekend.
