Athletics great Salome Tabuatalei and sports administrator Patrick Bower honoured by Fijian Sports Hall of Fame

The Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) has announced the induction of athletics legend Salome Tabuatalei into the Fiji Sports Hall of Fame for her dedication to, and excellence in, the sport, while long serving sports administrator Patrick Bower was awarded the Fiji Olympic Order medal during the Fiji Sports Hall of Fame.

Tabuatalei, now the 45th inductee into the Hall of Fame, holds national records in the women’s 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, 10000m and half marathon in athletics, all of which were set in the 1990s.

Meanwhile, Bower has been involved in sport for most of his life. He was a former hockey player and taught athletics across schools in Fiji for many years. Bower represented his nation as the Chef de Mission during the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, where the Fijian team won its second gold medal in the men’s rugby sevens event.

FASANOC President Makarita Lenoa praised Tabuatalei and Bower for their outstanding contributions to sport in Fiji.

“We’re thrilled to induct Salome to the Fiji Sports Hall of Fame and confer to Patrick the Fiji Olympic Order. Tabuatalei is an excellent role model athlete who has achieved success through her determination and perseverance. Their contributions to sports in Fiji are fully deserving of such recognition within the walls of Fiji Olympic House. We look forward to adding more plaques to the Hall of Fame in the coming years,” Lenoa stated.

To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, athletes must have retired from their sport at least five years ago and be a Fijian citizen, showing themselves to be a regional or international individual of excellence.

Individuals can receive the Olympic Order for service in administration, management, coaching, and medical and sports science.