For the first time, the Team Fiji contingent will be performing a traditional war dance cibi to the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands later this month.
The cibi has only been performed by the Flying Fijians side over the past few years, making this year’s games the first time a team other than the national 15s side performed the war dance.
This was confirmed by Chef de Mission for Team Fiji Ajay Ballu after their team assembly at the University of the South Pacific in Suva over the weekend.
“We had a session during the assembly on Saturday where we discussed and decided that we will be performing the cibi at the opening ceremony of the Pacific Games,” he said.
“This is something to look forward to, and everyone, both male and female will be performing the war dance.”
About 498 officials and athletes from Fiji will be heading for the Solomons next week.
Fiji finished in fifth place at the last Pacific Games in Samoa four years ago, and Ballu is adamant Team Fiji will be able to improve their rank their time around.
“I know the athletes will do well, but I have told them just to do their best because we do not want to put any pressure on them. Fiji managed to win 35 gold, 38 silver, and 47 bronze in the 2019 games.
“We also have more younger and inexperienced athletes these years, but we are adamant about a good outing this year.”
The event is scheduled to kick start on November 19.
