The Senivalati Vunibola Nakorosule Invitational 7s tournament was held on Friday at the Nakorosule District School grounds in Naitasiri, fostering significant community engagement. Named after the esteemed former rugby sevens player Senivalati Vunibola, who gained recognition in 2011 as the oldest player in the World Sevens Series, the event celebrated both rugby and the potential of young athletes.

Vunibola attended the tournament and expressed his gratitude for the chance to support emerging talent. He emphasized the importance of hard work and ambition among the participants, stating, “I would like to thank all the players that are here this afternoon as the youths work hard to attain a bigger and better result.” His presence and encouragement aimed to inspire the young players, many of whom saw him for the first time.

Erami Raileqe, president of the Kaite Rugby Club and an organizer of the tournament, shared his admiration for Vunibola, remembering the impact he had on the sport during his playing days. This sentiment underscores the deeply rooted tradition of rugby in the community and its capacity to inspire and nurture future athletes.

The tournament not only showcased local rugby talent but also highlighted the positive influence of sports in community building. It resonates with other successful initiatives, like the Vatukoro under-19 team, which has found discipline and purpose through rugby. These events demonstrate how participation in sports can lead to personal development and communal spirit among youth.

In summary, the Senivalati Vunibola Nakorosule Invitational 7s exemplified the power of sports to unite communities and foster the growth of young athletes. With continued support and engagement in such initiatives, there is hope for a bright future in nurturing character development and sporting excellence in the region.