The business sector in Labasa has enthusiastically committed to supporting the upcoming Rooster Chicken/Scoop Ice Cream Fiji Football Association’s (Fiji FA) sanctioned Battle of the Giants (B.O.G) tournament, set to take place at Subrail Park next year. Confirming this news, Fiji FA chief executive Mohammed Yusuf shared the excitement with SUNsports that Labasa has been chosen to host the event.
Paul Jaduram, president of the Macuata Tourism Association, praised Fiji FA for trusting the Labasa Town Council with this significant responsibility. He emphasized the tournament’s potential to spur local economic activity. According to Jaduram, Labasa is ripe with sports tourism opportunities, but it requires a united effort from the business community to realize this potential.
With sufficient hotel accommodations available, Jaduram affirmed that the town is well-equipped to host visitors from Viti Levu during the tournament.
Ravneel Pratap, the coach of the Labasa men’s football team, views this tournament as an excellent chance for his team to reclaim the title they lost this year, having won it in 2023. He called for improvements to the playing ground to ensure high-quality football is showcased. Earlier this year, Labasa successfully hosted the Digicel Fiji FACT tournament, which saw a considerable turnout of spectators.
Pratap acknowledged that while hosting the tournament comes with pressures to perform well, the thrill of competing at home only adds to the team’s motivation. In preparation for the Fiji FACT, the Labasa Town Council also recently invested over $40,000 in new floodlights, indicating their commitment to enhancing local sports infrastructure.
In summary, Labasa’s designation as the host for the 2024 Battle of the Giants not only reflects the growing recognition of its sports tourism potential but also underscores the community’s collaborative spirit aimed at fostering economic growth and enhancing local football culture.
This event promises to be a positive development for Labasa, bringing together the community and local businesses while bolstering the region’s reputation in sports tourism. It demonstrates how sporting events can stimulate local economies and generate excitement, paving the way for future opportunities in the area.
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