"I initially did not know about this STOP programme but since finding out about it I found that it would be a good time to learn more," she said.

Leah is passionate about healthy living and sports advocacy and using both to make sure that people around her live a healthier and sporty life style.

"I'm also a "Hoops for Health" Coach which is a programme run out of our national federation that also focuses on healthy living using basketball as a tool," she said.

"This is similar to the STOP programme , so this helps me broaden my knowledge and know about issues that affect our lives. 

Leah said there were a lot of issues that affect the youth of today especially around NCD's and HIV/AIDS.

"Being part of the youth of this country I can use my position as a STOP Champion to be a better influence and a role model," she said.

"It is also about putting into perspective about what we can do to help give back to our communities that have always supported us athelets.

Leah also said that being a STOP Champion also added credibility and would look good on her resume.

Leah is one of 10 siblings and is currently a Computer Science student at the University of the South Pacific.

Source: www.foxsportspulse.com - Team Fiji