The Fijiana Women’s 7s team recently paid a heartfelt visit to the Suva Women’s Corrections Centre, where the emotional encounter brought tears to both players and inmates.
The visit was part of the team’s community outreach program, aimed at uplifting the spirits of the inmates. It included a touching donation that further deepened the connection between the players and the inmates.
During their time at the center, the team was profoundly moved when the inmates performed a song they had written for their favorite warden, COA Reijeli Daveua, who also serves as the captain of the Fijiana 7s team.
“I wanted the players to see firsthand why their captain is the way she is,” explained Fijiana 7s manager Luse Kotobalavu. “To have that touch of humility yet show grit in the face of adversity, it’s because she works here at Corrections and we thank the Commissioner for allowing us to visit before we fly off.”
Kotobalavu added, “We also wanted to show them that they even inspire those who are in prison. Today, they felt so much love, compassion, and support and it was a good reminder of who they are all playing for.”
The inmates and staff at the center are known for their enthusiastic support, often watching and cheering for the Fijiana team during their games, especially in support of their captain.
“It was an experience these ladies will never forget. We hope our visit brought some joy to the women here, and we’ll keep them in our prayers,” Kotobalavu said.
Snr Superintendent Apakuki Qura expressed gratitude to the team, stating, “Visits like this make those in our care feel happy and valued. It’s clear that the facility will be cheering loudly whenever the Fijiana play, especially during the Olympics.”