The Get Into Rugby (GIR) Plus initiative has made a significant impact on young women rugby players at Namata District School in Tailevu, as evidenced during the recent GIR Plus festival held at Bidesi Ground in Suva. The program, which emphasizes life skills alongside rugby, aims to foster confidence among participants and combat violence.
Team coach Neli Nabogi highlighted the transformative journey of the students throughout the tournament. Initially hesitant to express their experiences, the participants gradually began to voice their thoughts and challenges, reflecting the program’s success in encouraging open dialogue.
Although the Namata team had only a week to prepare for the competition, the festival served as an uplifting celebration of the holistic benefits of sports. Nabogi, who has been instrumental in implementing the GIR Plus program since its inception in Namata in 2018, shared her own challenges as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Her dedication to rugby and passion for teaching young girls have fueled her commitment to the program.
The efforts of individuals like Nabogi are paving the way for positive change, proving that with determination and love for the game, impactful initiatives can flourish. The growing respect and support for young female athletes in Namata demonstrate a brighter future for women’s sports in the region, fostering empowerment and community engagement through rugby.
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