Seventeen-year-old Merewalesi Kolitapa is preparing to represent Fiji in the Youth Olympic boxing qualifiers scheduled to take place next month in Bangkok, Thailand. To support her ambitions, she is actively raising funds through a GoFundMe campaign.
Kolitapa, a student at Sigatoka Methodist College, has dedicated herself to rigorous training, waking up at 4 AM for her morning sessions and adhering to a strict diet. She has successfully reduced her weight from 66.7 kg to 60 kg to meet the requirements for her boxing category.
Despite facing financial challenges, Kolitapa is unwavering in her commitment to training and remains hopeful about receiving support from her community. “My foster parents from Australia are running a GoFundMe for me, and with local sponsorships, we’ve collected around $700. But I still need help to cover travel, accommodation, and equipment so my trip goes smoothly,” she expressed.
In addition to the GoFundMe efforts, a local law firm has pledged to provide her with sports gear, which is expected to aid her preparations. With a target of $3,000 set for her fundraising campaign, Kolitapa has so far managed to raise approximately $740.
If her plans unfold as anticipated, Kolitapa is set to depart Fiji on March 1 and arrive in Bangkok by March 5, ready to compete on the international stage with determination and pride for her country. The support she receives could be crucial in helping her realize her dreams in the sport of boxing.