His Excellency, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has urged the Kaiviti Silktails Rugby League Football Club players to give their best in the Jersey Flegg competition in Australia and make the nation proud.
After receiving the team’s iTatau at State House in Suva yesterday, President Katonivere explained that presenting the iTautau is a tradition deeply rooted in iTaukei culture and it was customary for warriors of old to present the iTautau before departing for war.
“As warriors in the rugby field, your presentation today (yesterday) is honorable.”
“It always brings me happiness and makes me proud to see young people of this nation represent us in sports.”
“You have been performing exceptionally well in the Ron Massey Cup ever since you started in 2020, and you have made the people of this nation proud.”
“Go out there as champions and do your best. Go with God’s blessing and that of the Government and the 14 provinces that make up this wonderful nation.”
“Individually, each one of you should value your inclusion in this team. No one presented you a Tabua to seek your service, but it is your God-given talent that qualified you to be in the Kaiviti Silktails Under 21 team.”
His Excellency further reminded the players of the temptations of the world and how they can distract them from achieving their goals.
“Be wary of your actions on and off the field. When you are playing, always remember your parents, your siblings, the team officials, and your supporters who look to you to perform to the best of your ability.”
President Katonivere urged the team to be courageous and make the right decisions, emphasising that their future depended on it.
The Kaiviti Silktails will play their first match against the West Tigers on Saturday, 9 March, at the Lidcombe Oval in Sydney.
