“I hope I can also do my part to help inmates to one day become law abiding citizens”.
These are the words that drive Fiji 7s player and Fiji Corrections officer Asaeli Tuivuaka every morning when he puts on his brown uniform.
When not wearing the white jersey for Fiji, Tuivuaka, 24, is a serving Fiji Corrections Service officer stationed at the Minimum Corrections Centre in Naboro.
“It is a humbling experience and I am happy to do my part in serving the country,” Nicknamed “The Tank” and known for his rampaging runs on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series circuit, the Nakavika Village in Namosi native showed a more disciplined side to the rugged giant as he attended to inmates during his day shift yesterday.
“We look after the inmates and ensure they have their meals, and look after their allotted plantations which they enjoy doing,” Tuivuaka said.
“They know their activities and what is expected of them as well as us officers.”
When not on duty, Tuivuaka says he keeps himself fit making use of the terrain at the Naboro Prison Compound.
“I do a lot of hill running here at Naboro, and there is a gym so I can also train with weights.”
Located further into the compound runs the Farm Road with a steep incline known as Broken Hill, where even the fittest of officers and rugby players have found their stamina and endurance tested.
“Even if you think you are fit, Broken Hill will test that, and that is also where I test myself.
“I also train back in the village, there is plenty to do to help you keep fit, even farming can help, you just have to put in the effort.”
Tuivuaka now has set his eyes on making the squad to help defend Fiji’s gold medal at next year’s Olympic Games.
“I want to represent Fiji in Tokyo. I want to put on the white jersey and help bring back the gold. “With the Olympics moved to next year doesn’t mean I will relax, I will also push myself in training to make sure I am at my best when we are called up again.”
Tuivuaka has also called on the people of Fiji to adhere to all the regulations in place in regards to COVID-19, so everyone in Fiji can be safe.
“We have to do our part, stay home and listen to the authorities, only that way we can get through this pandemic together.”
