At the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s tournament held at Prince Charles Park, the discovery of packets suspected to contain illicit substances prompted immediate action from tournament organizers. Tournament director Jeff Tamata highlighted the importance of legal compliance among spectators to ensure a safe and orderly event. He expressed appreciation for the strong support from the Fiji Police Force in maintaining security during the tournament.
Tamata acknowledged the proactive measures taken, stating that continuous public announcements reminded attendees to abide by the law throughout the event. “We have been warning the spectators over the intercom all throughout the day to be mindful,” he said, emphasizing the tournament’s commitment to preventing potential issues.
On the second day of the tournament, police efforts intensified when an individual was found in possession of drugs during a search operation. In response to this incident, law enforcement heightened their presence on the final day by deploying sniffer dogs to monitor the entrance and regularly inspect key areas such as the grandstand and embankment.
This focus on security aligns with a growing concern about drug use in sports, which the tournament has publicly condemned in partnership with law enforcement. Eparama Sailo, the Executive Director of the Nawaka 7s, previously initiated a campaign promoting a drug-free environment in athletics, firmly stating, “drugs have no place in sports.” These initiatives aim to safeguard the integrity of the event while also prioritizing the well-being of the community.
The partnership between tournament officials and the Fiji Police reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that sports serve as a platform for uplifting youth and promoting healthy lifestyles. This unified stance against substance abuse fosters hope for a cleaner and safer sporting experience in the future, reinforcing the idea that sporting events should inspire positivity and community pride.
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