A TEXT message was all it took to surprise 2009 Fiji Sports Council Sportswoman of the Year and basketballer Valarie Nainima in South Carolina, USA. Mum, Betty Jitoko, said she immediately sent a text message to her daughter soon after receiving the award on her behalf from chief guest and President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau at the Tattersals Leisure Centre on Friday night. "I think it was about three in the morning in the States when I sent her the text," Jitoko said. "At lunch time today (Saturday) she called me as soon she read the message. "She couldn't believe she had been nominated to be Sports-woman of the Year 2009," says Jitoko. "She was surprised." Jitoko said her daughter had expected other female athletes such as Makelesi Batimala, Maria Liku or Selai Pridgeon to win the award because of their national achievements. Located beside the coastal area overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Saqani girl informed her mum the award had provided her the urge to do better. Jitoko then relayed the story of how Nainima was involved in the sport that had taken her to new heights locally and abroad. "While in Form Three there was a basketball clinic advertised in the local newspaper. "I filled out the form and then she was selected to be one of the participants." Attending Stella Maris Primary School, Nainima loved netball. "At 14 years of age, Nainima began playing competitive basketball under the expertise Bob Tuxson. "It was in the morning of 2005 when for the first time Nainima spoke to her future basketball coach at Long Island University, Stephanie Gaitley. "Nainima was at home when Gaitley called from Long Island University campus in Brooklyn, New York." From then on it was no looking back. At times when she's back from tours, Nainima hardly forgets to call mum informing her of her trip. Being the only girl surrounded by her four brothers, she is a fighter.

Source: The Fiji Times Online

Monday 1st March, 2010