Atlanta 7s – Telecom Fijiana Diary

9^th March 2015

Bula Vinaka Viti kei Rotuma

Team Telecom Fijiana is on the road again and this time to Atlanta, Georgia, USA for the 3^rd leg of the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series (WR WSS) 2014-2015.

We touched down Atlanta Airport at 5:45am this morning (Tuesday 9^th March 2015 and its now Wednesday 10th) after departing Nadi, Fiji on Monday night, 9^th March 2015, after a long 22 hours of travel (10 hrs from Nadi to LAX, 8 hours transit time in the City of Angles and another 4 hours from LAX to Atlanta).  We were met at the Airport by our Liaison Officer (Cathryn Page) and with the weather on our side (cool and sunshine), girls are in high spirits ready to settle in at the Atlanta Marriott North-West and shake off the jet leg in the gym at 11am.

Fijiana 7’s Team

The Gym was approximately a 10 minute walk from the hotel and we were just in awe of the facility boasting a huge weight room, separate bike and treadmill room, 2 standard Basketball courts, Racquet Ball courts and Special/separate rooms for Spin Class, Zumba, Yoga, Pump Aerobics …. You name it they are all in this one facility.  After a circuit session, Coach allowed the girls to explore their talent a bit further on the Basketball Court playing “Basket-Rugger” whereby our screams of laughter brought smiles to the faces of the regular patrons. Ending the session on a high note, the girls stretched and walked back to the hotel collecting stray Tennis Balls along the way for our game of Hand Ball in the afternoon.

Our afternoon session was more of a relaxed fun game of Hand Ball (with Coach’s made up rule) but he made too many rules that he got himself confused as the Umpire and the girls ceased the opportunity to change the rules to suit themselves.  Again everyone had a good laugh albeit the intensity of the competition and the sweat from the game was enough to shake off the jet leg and get us ready for the 2 remaining training days.  Whilst the girls and Coach were so good managing to stay up all day, Physio and Mani managed to find some time for a power nap before dinner and lotu.

Before we bid you good night, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our friends and family back home for your support with special mention to:-

• Telecom Fiji Limited for being our Sponsor
• Derek and Ana Derenalagi and family (Mr Qumivutia) for your session of motivational talk …. The girls were totally inspired by your testimony of “Sacrifice, Commitment and Discipline” and they are living up to your goal of “Never Give In and Never Give Up”.
• Gaylene Finakaso for always having the time to work with the girls on their mental strength and attitude.
• Laijipa Naulivou for your time in helping out the girls that needed your professional help.
• Mr Salima Ragogo (Dad of the inspirational Naomi Roberts) for your words of encouragement in “Following our Heart and Dream” at the International Women’s Day celebration.
• Inoke Bainimarama for always making Fijiana feel so special at the Player Naming ceremony.
• Dr Esther Williams for your support always in our Struggle to be a “Team”.
• FRU CEO and staff for allowing us to be on this tour.
• All our family and friends that support us daily and financially buying our Barrel Night Fundraiser.
• SouthBay Davui (Anto, Makare and Wise) for meeting us at the LAX Airport just wanting to hear a side of our story for struggles and your generous offer for donations.
• Mrs Sainiana Khalik and Taina for your generous heart showing us a bit of the City of Angles and most importantly feeding us.

Please forgive us if we fail to mention you in our Special Mention List but be rest assured that we are always remembering you in our prayers and we are forever grateful for all your support.

GOD BLESS EACH ONE OF YOU REAL GOOD

Selita Koroi (Team Mani)