The St. Teresa Naba team embarked on their journey to the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s in Taveuni fueled solely by fundraising efforts, as they had no sponsors to support them. According to team manager Sefanaia Vakaloloma, the group originally did not have an existing team. However, they felt the urge to form one to represent their community after having a well-known team in the past.
To make their tournament dreams a reality, the team engaged in various fundraising activities. “We decided to do fundraising and that’s how we made it to the tournament, without any sponsorship,” Vakaloloma stated.
As the team prepared for training, they welcomed several newcomers, making it a fresh experience for many players. Despite facing challenges, the unwavering support from their families and local community played a crucial role in their journey.
Throughout the tournament, St. Teresa Naba’s performance has had its ups and downs. They started off by winning their first pool match against Davetalevu by default, but faced defeat against Supercool Vatukoro with a score of 7-12. They then drew a nil-all match with Naselesele before triumphing over Sausauvou Taveuni with a close score of 14-12.
This story exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and community support, highlighting the dedication of a team that strives to make their mark despite challenges. Their journey is a testament to what can be achieved with hard work and solidarity.
In summary, the St. Teresa Naba team has shown remarkable determination by coming together through grassroots efforts and community encouragement, illustrating that success is possible even when the odds seem stacked against you.
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