Fiji Paralympics athlete Iliesa Delana and weightlifter Maria Liku were on top of the world last night after being named the 2011 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.

27-year-old Delana competes in the F42 category high jump and is Fiji’s most successful Paralympics athlete.

Delana is a qualifier for this year’s Paralympics championships in London and won a silver medal at the World Paralympics championship in New Zealand last year.

Sportswoman of the Year Maria Liku is no stranger to anyone after winning three gold medals in the Pacific Games last year.

In other awards, Danielle Alakija was named Young Female Athlete while Chesley Yee was named Young Male Athlete of the Year.

Fiji Netball was named team of the year while Weightlifting Fiji scooped the Sports Federation of the Year award.

Parmesh Sharma of the Fiji Bowling Association won the Administrator of the Year award while Fred Fatiaki of the Fiji Paralympics won the Coach of the Year award.

Meanwhile, guest speaker at last night’s award, New Zealand Sevens team coach Gordon Tietjens emphasized that athletes need to believe in teamwork.

He added achievements are all about commitment and sacrifices have to be made if one wants to win.


Story by: Dhanjay Deo