Fiji sprint king Banuve Tabakaucoro and veteran power lifter Sainimili Turner were crowned Fiji Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at the 2013 Fiji Sports Awards at the Vodafone Arena Friday night.
Tabakaucoro, who broke the 100 and 200 metres records at the Pacific Mini Games last year, was modest in accepting the gong ahead of strong competitors.
“I’m very humbled. I came up against some very big names in golf not forgetting rugby league as well. You know Petero Civoniceva, we grew up watching our heroes and he’s one of the people that really motivated me so I feel very happy that I won.”
Meanwhile, Turner was recognized for her feats at the Oceania Championships in New Zealand last year where she won a gold medal.
Turner hopes this win will serve to inspire young power lifters to strive for their best.
“This is just to encourage them this year, so we are doing it now for the young ones to come up.”
Eleven awards were presented last night with guest speaker and Vodafone Fiji Bati skipper Petero Civoniceva congratulating the winners as well as the nominees for their commitment and dedication.
The Fiji men’s hockey team won team of the year award whilst weightlifting coach Joe Vueti was awarded Coach of the Year.
Other winners:
Administrator of the Year: Vuli Waqa (Athletics)
Organization of the Year: Weightlifting
Photographer of the Year: Ivamere Rokovesa
Young Female Athlete of the Year: Ulina Sagone (Weightlifting)
Young Male Athlete of the Year: Menash Fareed (Chess)
Prime Ministers Special Award: Chess.
SUVA, ( FBC SPORTS)
