The streets of Port Vila are alive with traffic, people and busy markets—a completely different world for a young girl from the islands.

Then there is Korman Stadium.

Its smooth track, clearly marked lanes and perfectly prepared field are a striking contrast to the familiar playing grounds of Florina’s home.

Back home, the grass is wild and uneven. It grows thick enough to swallow an ankle and hide the boundaries of the playing field. Bare earth appears through the grass, bearing the marks of countless games played by children with bare feet and improvised balls.

But Florina is not intimidated. She has come to compete.

And she has come to silence the voices that once made her feel different.

Growing up, Florina was sometimes teased because of the way she walked. For a young girl, those words could have become a burden.

Instead, they became a source of determination.

“The children used to tease me and make fun of the way I walk, but I like myself and I love sports. I love para sports, so I am going to prove them wrong,” she said.

Those words capture the spirit with which Florina has travelled to the national championship.

She knows she is entering unfamiliar territory. She knows she will face experienced athletes. But she also knows why she is here.

She wants to show what she can do.

Florina draws inspiration from national para badminton athlete and Vanuatu Paralympic Committee Coordinator Jacklynda Molidu, who won three medals during her first international tour.

To Florina, Molidu represents what is possible.

She hopes that one day she, too, can follow that path—moving from the playing fields of her island to national and international competition.

Florina said the support of her family has been vital. She thanked her parents for always standing behind her and praised her school principal, Mr Elbion Tabi, for understanding the importance of para sports and supporting people living with disabilities.

Molidu said young athletes like Florina need more opportunities and greater visibility.

She said people living with disabilities, particularly in the islands, are often left out or overlooked. Florina’s participation, she believes, can help change that.

Her story can show communities that disability should not be a reason to exclude someone from sport, education or opportunity.

“People living with special needs matter,” is the message behind the push for greater inclusion.

The Vanuatu Paralympic Committee plans to continue expanding its “hub and spoke” programme, identifying athletes in communities and providing pathways for them to compete at island, provincial, national and eventually international levels.

For Florina, however, the journey begins here. A new city, a new stadium and a national competition.

And a young athlete determined to turn years of teasing into fuel for her dreams.

When Florina steps onto the track, she will not just be competing against other athletes. She will be running against doubt and she intends to leave it behind.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST