The Senivalati Vunibola Nakorosule Invitational 7s tournament took place on Friday at the Nakorosule District School grounds in Naitasiri, drawing significant participation from the local community. This one-day event honors former rugby sevens player Senivalati Vunibola, known for being the oldest player in the World Sevens Series during his debut at the Gold Coast Sevens in 2011. Vunibola was present at the tournament, expressing his gratitude and optimism regarding the development of the young players involved.

Vunibola emphasized the hard work and dedication of the youth, 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 participation served as an inspiration to many young athletes who may have seen him play for the first time. The event helped foster a sense of community spirit while also highlighting the positive role of sports in youth development.

Erami Raileqe, president of the Kaite Rugby Club, collaborated with the organizing committee and shared his admiration for Vunibola, reminiscing about how he followed Vunibola’s career closely. This speaks to the lasting impact Vunibola’s career had on aspiring players in the region.

This annual tournament echoes the significance of similar local sports initiatives, such as the Vatukoro under-19 team, which illustrates how participation in rugby cultivates discipline and camaraderie among participants. The success of these events reinforces the importance of sports in nurturing youth and strengthening community ties.

In summary, the Senivalati Vunibola Nakorosule Invitational 7s tournament not only celebrated rugby but also emphasized the significance of community and youth development through sports. With continued support for such initiatives, there is great potential for fostering both character growth and athletic excellence in the future.