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You are here: Home / News and Events / Masi’s Village Waitabu Taveuni Waits For His Return

Masi’s Village Waitabu Taveuni Waits For His Return

The parents of Team Fiji men’s rugby sevens forward Iosefo Masi dedicated their time in fasting and praying for the players and officials at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.

And their prayers were answered with the 27-12 win over New Zealand in the gold medal final at the Tokyo Stadium on Wednesday night.

Masi, played with a fractured finger and was in the run-on team as he contested the restarts against seasoned campaigners like Tim Mikkelson and Scott Curry.

His father, Atonio Kawakawa told SUNsports yesterday that they all cried at the sound of the final whistle.

“We were overwhelmed with joy,” Kawakawa said.

“Masi delivered his promise by bringing the Olympic gold back to our beloved Fiji despite playing with a fractured finger.

Iosefo Masi’s family from L-R: Aqela Nukunawa, Vilomema Maria, Atonio Kawakawa, Tui Levuka in their village in Waitabu, Waikeli in Taveuni after Fiji’s win in one of the pool games. Photo: Tagimoucia Photography
Iosefo Masi’s family from L-R: Aqela Nukunawa, Vilomema Maria, Atonio Kawakawa, Tui Levuka in their village in Waitabu, Waikeli in Taveuni after Fiji’s win in one of the pool games. Photo: Tagimoucia Photography

“We thank (head coach) Gareth Baber for his selection as it was spot on and the boys did a remarkable job overall.

“And for choosing Masi to be one of the players in the first line-up, we were grateful as it has also lifted his performance.”

Masi will undergo immediate surgery on his finger as soon the team return.

Kawakawa said villagers came together to the village hall to watch all the games as there was no other TV screen.

He said the village came to life with celebration after the finals.

“We said a prayer of thanksgiving before the children took to the road to celebrate by beating pots and pans or anything they could get hold of.”

The father of three said as they are waiting for Masi to return home as they plan to celebrate the win with him.

“Masi and the boys have done us proud. Now we have young boys in the village who look up to him for his hard work and dedication, which saw him represent Fiji.”

The Waitabu native, from the district of Waikeli in Taveuni, Cakaudrove, was brought up in their family farm at Delaivuna, Taveuni with his two younger siblings.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2021/07/30/masis-village-waits-for-his-return/

By Laisa Lui

30 Jul 2021 13:24

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Visiting The Park

You have two options to visit the park.

One is the F$100 Cultural Experience Tour (includes Refreshments, Entertainments & Bilibili Ride) or for those travelling on a light budget, the F$70 Snorkeling Tour.
Visits should be arranged in advance, please call Park Manager on 679-9490792 or 679-7367267 or Park Reception 679-2818815 or 679-8725541

Find out more about planning your visit.

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Welcome to Waitabu Marine Park

Arrive in the tree-adorned island of Taveuni to discover a tropical paradise you’ve only dreamed about. Slip on your fins and mask and slide into the warm waters of Fiji. Let all the stress of everyday life fall away as you make your way along the magical reef of Waitabu.

The communities of Waitubu and Bouma came to protect their native fishing grounds in 1998. Their foresight and diligence has allowed visitors, like yourself, the opportunity to share in the beauty of the Waitabu Marine Park. These crystal-clear waters are home to the most amazing marine species you may ever see. Don’t be too surprised when you pass a sea turtle or find yourself following a gentle ray. You know you’re in paradise when you’ve landed in the Waitabu Marine Park.

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In 1998 the Waitabu Village of Taveuni declared its fishing grounds or "qoliqoli" to be "tabu" -- a no-take fishing zone. NZAID initially supported the designation with funds for biological surveys and administration. The Wainileli and the Bouma qoliqoli, were continually and heavily overfished, resulting in small fish stocks and damaged coral. Through the continuous drive of community members and non-governmental agencies, the region is now celebrating a healthy and abundant reef for the past 20 … Read More >>

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