COMMONWEALTH GAMES
Thousands of miles from their Pacific islands, Fiji’s contingent carried a piece of home into Glasgow this morning through the strains of Vanua Domoni, a traditional song performed at the Oceania Regional Celebration at the Hilton Glasgow, just hours before the official opening of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
GLASGOW – Thousands of miles from their Pacific islands, Fiji’s contingent carried a piece of home into Glasgow this morning through the strains of Vanua Domoni, a traditional song performed at the Oceania Regional Celebration at the Hilton Glasgow, just hours before the official opening of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The performance was led by Fiji Weightlifting Team Manager Ratu Orisi Sanadali, who hails from a chiefly family in the island nation.
Introducing the song, Ratu Orisi explained that “vanua” carries a meaning far deeper than mere land in the Fijian worldview.
“For us, the word vanua means much more than just a land,” he said.
He said, Vanua Domoni expresses the team’s longing for a homeland now far away, a song they carry with them wherever they go.
“Although we come from different islands and nations, we share a similar story, similar values, and a similar sense of living. Vanua Domoni is therefore a song of life, belonging, and pride,” he added.
For Fijian weightlifter Apakuki Tabuawaiwai, gatherings like this remind Pacific athletes that they are more than competitors on the platform.
“This event is really good. It helps all the Oceania region to come together and share the culture, because we come from one ocean, one family,” he told.
The Oceania Regional Celebration was held at the invitation of Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Jay Weatherill, in the presence of Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn, and coordinated by Commonwealth Sport, the governing body of the Commonwealth Games movement formerly known as the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
The gathering brought together Oceania athletes, officials and dignitaries in team uniform and cultural attire, with each nation sharing a brief cultural offering.
Besides Fiji, performances came from Australia, Naoero, Norfolk Island and Papua New Guinea, while the presence of the Kiribati team was also warmly acknowledged.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, delivered by Glasgow 2026 Limited in partnership with Commonwealth Sport and Commonwealth Games Scotland, run from today until Aug 2, bringing together some 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories. The opening ceremony takes place tonight at the OVO Hydro.
