By Athletics Fiji (22/05/2024)
With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a beloved icon of Fiji, Oceania and World athletics community. Filimoni Vuli Waqa, affectionately known as Vuli Waqa, dedicated over 45 years of his life to the sport he loved dearly.
During his remarkable tenure, Vuli served with distinction as President or Secretary of Athletics Fiji for more two decades, and as the Secretary of the Fiji Secondary Schools’ Athletics Association for over four decades. At the time of his passing on May 19th 2024, Vuli held the positions of President at Athletics Fiji and Secretary at Fiji Secondary Schools’ Athletics Association.
Vuli’s enduring legacy shines brightest through his nearly four-decade tenure as Competition Director of the annual Fiji Secondary Schools’ Coca Cola Games. Under his leadership, this event has flourished into the largest high school athletics competition in the southern hemisphere, standing as Fiji’s premier sporting spectacle each year. Central to Vuli’s vision is the nurturing of young talent, a passion reflected in the Games’ role as a cornerstone for identifying and honing promising athletes. Many of these talents, discovered through the Games, have risen to represent Fiji across a diverse array of sports including Athletics, Football, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Triathlon, and numerous others.
Vuli’s impact transcends Fiji’s borders, evident through his influential positions such as Vice President of the Oceania Athletics Association (OAA) and his eight-year tenure on the OAA Council. Since 1979, Vuli’s unwavering dedication as a technical official and lecturer for World Athletics (formerly known as the International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF)) has profoundly shaped the athletic landscape, not only in Fiji but also on a regional scale. His tireless commitment has left an indelible mark on the landscape of athletics in Fiji and beyond.
Vuli started his sporting career as a Physical Education Teacher at Ratu Sukuna Memorial School and went on to head the Curriculum Development Unit for Physical Education in the Ministry of Education. He was also the Secretary of the Fijian teachers Association Credit Union for several decades.
As we approach the 2024 Oceania Championships set to take place in Suva during the first week of June, we reflect on the pivotal role of Vuli Waqa, who served as the Competition Director for the very successful inaugural Oceania Athletics Championships in Suva back in 1990.
Vuli went on to officiate as a Technical Official at several of the Pacific Games and Oceania Championships right up to the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, and various prestigious global events such as the World Junior Athletics Championships in Sydney in 1989, 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
His sterling contributions and unwavering commitment to Athletics in Fiji and the Oceania Region were recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the:
- 2002 – Oceania Merit Award by OAA.
- 2005 – World Athletics (previously IAAF) Veteran Pin.
- 2006 – FASANOC Distinguished Service Award.
- 2008 – IOC Youth Development Award.
- 2013 – Administrator of the Year at the Fiji Sports Awards.
- 2014 – Technical Official of the Year at the Fiji Sports Awards.
- 2019- World Athletics Plaque of Merit Award.
In recognition of his steadfast commitment, exceptional leadership, and significant impact on athletics in Fiji and the broader Oceania region, Vuli was honored with a Life Membership of the Oceania Athletics Association in 2015 and in 2019 Vuli was presented the World Athletics Plaque of Merit Award for exemplary service to the cause of World Athletics within Oceania.
In 2017, FASANOC bestowed upon Filimoni Vuli Waqa the esteemed Fiji Olympic Order for his invaluable contributions to Fiji Sports.
Notably, in 2020, the President of the Republic of Fiji and Chancellor of the Order of Fiji personally awarded Filimoni Vuli Waqa the 50th Anniversary of Independence Commemorative Medal, commemorating his enduring dedication to the nation.
Though he may have left this world, his spirit and legacy will forever inspire generations to come. Rest in Eternal Peace