‘Naigani In Honour Of Mum’

8 years, but is eager to show off certain hotspots to friends when she returns.

The 26-year old swimmer, who says she’s ‘100 per cent Tailevu’ for the fact that both parents hail from the same province, was part of the Fiji delegation to the Common­wealth Games.

“We came to the United Kingdom after my father was offered a Com­monwealth scholarship to pursue his doctors in Birmingham in 2004,” she said.

“I applied to be part of the Com­monwealth Games to give back to the Commonwealth, as it is the rea­son my family and I are here.”

In her formative years, Ms Daku­nivosa was nominated in swim­ming gala competitions to repre­sent her primary school.

She was often a first place getter in those contests.

For her family, the Common­wealth Games was a family affair, with her father serving as an assis­tant during the course of the sport­ing event, and her niece was the sports village coordinator.

“It was amazing experiencing it with family,” she said.

“Hosting Fiji at the Common­wealth Games was a reminder of all the life lessons my mother taught me – to be kind, to take care of my people, and to do the very best in the process.

“I encourage the youth to volun­teer and apply for vacancies for events such as these even back home.”

Being Fijian and being assigned one’s home country during the Commonwealth Games is a bless­ing, she said.

The International Business graduate from the University of Bedfordshire speaks highly of her mother, whom the family lost to a battle with cancer in 2013.

Where in Fiji would you take friends to?

Denarau has a lot more water ac­tivities.

What are some of your favourite spots for a coffee or pie?

Hot Bread Kitchen and Craig’s Cakes and Pas­tries.

What is your favourite backyard spot?

My grandparents’ home in Tama­vua.

It is one place where all my family would gather for a feast and all my cousins would be playing.

What is one place in Fiji on your bucket list?

My koro-n.i-vasu (maternal links), Naigani Island.

I would love to visit in honour of my late mother, who spoke highly of its beauty.

Feedback : frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj