Athletics Fiji is mourning the loss of Filimoni Vuli Waqa, a key figure in Fijian and Oceania athletics for over 45 years.
Waqa passed away on Sunday, May 19.
During his involvement, Waqa held various leadership roles including President and Secretary of Athletics Fiji and Secretary of the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association. Waqa was instrumental in transforming the annual Fiji Secondary Schools’ Coca-Cola Games into the largest high school athletics competition in the southern hemisphere.
“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,” Athletics Fiji said in a statement. “Though he may have left this world, his spirit and legacy will forever inspire generations to come.”
Internationally, Waqa served as Vice President of the Oceania Athletics Association and contributed as a technical official and lecturer for World Athletics since 1979. He officiated at numerous prestigious events, including the Pacific Games and the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Waqa received numerous awards, including the Oceania Merit Award, World Athletics Veteran Pin, and the Fiji Olympic Order in 2017. In 2020, he was awarded a Fiji 50th Anniversary of Independence Commemorative Medal to mark his dedication to the nation.
Waqa’s career began as a Physical Education teacher at Ratu Sukuna Memorial School, later leading the Curriculum Development Unit for Physical Education in the Ministry of Education. He also served as the Secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association Credit Union for several decades. He officiated at major events, including the Pacific Games, the World Junior Athletics Championships in Sydney (1989), the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, and the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
Awards and accolades:
– 2002: Oceania Merit Award by OAA.
– 2005: World Athletics 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.
– 2015: Life Membership of the Oceania Athletics Association.
– 2017: Fiji Olympic Order by FASANOC
– 2019: World Athletics Plaque of Merit Award.
– 2020: 50th Anniversary of Independence Commemorative Medal from the President of Fiji
