The Fiji Instances » 2023 Pacific Video games

Eric Jioje’s curiosity in powerlifting started in 2002 when he heard that Fiji would host the then South Pacific Video games the next 12 months.

On the time, he was working on the then Fiji Institute of Know-how (FIT) in Suva.

Jioje had simply hung his rugby league boots when he joined FIT in 2000

“In early 2002, I attended my first coaching, I didn’t do nicely however I suppose our nationwide coach again then, Eliesa Irava, noticed potential in me and recruited me into the crew,” he stated in a press assertion issued by the Fiji Nationwide College.

“I needed to sacrifice a number of issues throughout this time however taking part within the 2003 SPG remains to be the spotlight of my sporting profession.”

In his powerlifting journey, Jioje gained publicity by taking part in quite a few tournaments, together with the 2004 Oceania Powerlifting Championship in Suva, the 2005 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship in England, the 2010 Oceania Video games in Samoa, the 2011 Pacific Video games in New Caledonia, the 2015 Pacific Video games in Papua New Guinea and the 2019 Oceania Regional Powerlifting Championship in Gold Coast Australia the place he competed within the 120kg Class and scooped Gold.

“I used to be approached in 2019 by FPF (Fiji Powerlifting Federation) and the Fiji Affiliation of Sports activities and Nationwide Olympic Committee (FASANOC) to educate the Fiji powerlifting crew to the 2019 Pacific Video games held in Samoa – that was my first teaching stint,” Jioje shared.

“This continues till as we speak as I put together the crew for the Pacific Video games within the Solomon Islands. I suppose competing at a excessive stage for 16 years, it’s time for me to present again to the game of powerlifting in Fiji and to the neighborhood.

“Competing at nationwide or worldwide championships and representing my nation, Fiji, is a big honour and this additionally applies to representing FNU. Wherever I am going within the area or internationally, I’ll at all times give again to FNU and what the College has achieved for me.”

Jioje additionally paid particular tribute to his spouse, Rosalia Fatiaki, the FNU household and his mother and father.

He’s additionally the FNU’s Affiliate Dean TVET (Technical and Vocational Schooling and Coaching) and Senior Teacher – Meals and Beverage on the School of Enterprise, Hospitality and Tourism Research (CBHTS).