COCA COLA 2008 GAMES BEGINS!

FORMER stars of the Coca-Cola Light Games believe the games shape the character of athletes and prepares them for their future careers.
Commissioner Northern Colonel Inia Seruiratu, a senior boys 200m national sprints champ for Ratu Kadavulevu School in 1983, said confidence "is what you get when you prepare well physically and spiritually for these games".
Seruiratu's 4X100m senior boys relay team won the event that year and RKS won the games.
Former national school girls sprint champion and Islands Business International editor Laisa Taga said the games taught her how to be competitive and work hard for her goals.
"You can't rely on others, you've got to be the best in what you do, and be disciplined."
Former Marist sprinter and shot put thrower Samuela Loiti said the games strengthen the character in a person's life.
About 3000 athletes from 142 schools around the country have converged on Suva for the start of the two-day games at the National Stadium today.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

EMELE DUITUTURAGA and ANARE JALE ties the knot

TWO former government chief executives tied the knot at the Centenary Church in Suva yesterday in front of about 300 relatives and guests.
Former Public Service Commission chief executive officer, Anare Jale married former Social Welfare CEO, Emele Duituturaga.
Ms Duituturaga wore a two-piece white satin and lace bridal wear and her.
She could not contain her happiness when she entered the church with her father, Pita Duituturaga who gave her away. They arrived in a white Mercedes Benz.
About 12 young girls in pink silk dresses led the bridal procession, before Ms Duituturaga and her father entered the church.
Not even the wet Suva weather dampened spritis with guests coming in their best suits and colourful dresses.
Mr Jale was wearing a two-piece black suit while his four best men wore a blue silk shirts embroided with magimagi (sinnet).
Former President of the Methodist Church, Reverend Tomasi Kanailagi presided over the wedding ceremony.
Guests present at the church included former Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, Naitasiri paramount chief Ratu Inoke Takiveikata and his wife Adi Lagamu.
Also among the guests were former Finance Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and his wife; Health Minister Permanent Secretary Doctor Lepani Waqatakirewa, former Transport and Civil Aviation chief executive Vuetasau Buatoka and businesswoman Mere Samisoni.
Mr Jale hails from Ono in Lau, while Ms Duituturaga is from Moala.
The reception was held at Tradewinds last night.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online

HELICOPTER CRASH IN LAMI, SUVA

HEAVY rain experienced around the country over the past few days have been blamed for a death, a helicopter crash and landslides.
Dead is 61-year-old Alekesio Nawaqavou, a dalo farmer of Kicukicu settlement in Cakaudrove who was swept away in currents caused by heavy rain.
Tim Gibson escaped with minor injuries after the helicopter he was piloting crashed into the sea off Uduya Point in Lami yesterday and a family was forced to leave their home following a landslide.
The helicopter that crashed about 7.10am is owned by Island Choppers.
Acting police spokesman Corporal Joe Weicavu blamed bad weather conditions for the crash. He said Mr Gibson received cuts and bruises and after medical examination was sent home to rest.
Cpl Weicavu said Mr Gibson would be interviewed later.
Island Choppers managing director, Stephen Green said two helicopters were travelling from Nadi to Nausori, on their way to Fulaga in the Lau Group.
He said Mr Gibson, 45, was flying the first helicopter alone while his colleague Robbie McKenzie was on another with five other passengers travelling to Fulaga.
Mr Green said after leaving Nadi the pilots spoke with the Nausori control centre which informed them of the sudden change in weather conditions. He said they were hoping to make a safe landing when Mr Gibson's helicopter crashed into the sea.
Mr Green said the $2 million helicopter was a write off.
He said Mr McKenzie picked up his colleague and they all returned to Nadi.
Mr Green said Namaka police interviewed Mr McKenzie while Mr Gibson had not been interviewed.
He said Mr Gibson was checked by a doctor and sent home. Mr Green said Mr Gibson who hails from New Zealand has twenty years experience as a pilot.
Attempts to contact Mr Gibson were unsuccessful yesterday. Mr Green said his company had three helicopters prior to the accident, which was used for the purpose of passenger transfers to the Mamanucas.
Meanwhile, the Director of Meteorology Rajendra Prasad yesterday said people must expect flash floods as a result of the current weather situations.
He said there was a trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain bands that remained slow moving over the group.

Adapted from Fijitimes Online