The business community in Labasa has expressed strong support for hosting the upcoming Rooster Chicken/Scoop Ice Cream Fiji Football Association’s (Fiji FA) Battle of the Giants tournament at Subrail Park next year. This commitment follows an announcement from Fiji FA chief executive Mohammed Yusuf confirming that Labasa will be the tournament’s host.
Paul Jaduram, the president of the Macuata Tourism Association, praised the decision and commended the Fiji FA for its confidence in the Labasa Town Council to organize the event. Jaduram highlighted that the tournament has the potential to significantly boost economic activity within the town. He pointed out Labasa’s substantial sports tourism opportunities, which can only be maximized through collaboration among local businesses. “We have ample hotel accommodation in Labasa, so we can cater for visitors from Viti Levu,” he noted.
Labasa football men’s coach Ravneel Pratap is optimistic about the tournament providing an ideal chance to reclaim the title they lost this year, having previously won it in 2023. He emphasized that the local council must enhance the field’s standards to ensure the highest quality football matches. Labasa recently hosted the Digicel Fiji FACT tournament, which attracted a significant number of spectators, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for football.
Pratap acknowledged the pressure of playing at home but expressed that the excitement of competing on familiar ground is a thrilling prospect. In preparation for the Fiji FACT, the Labasa Town Council made a significant investment by installing new floodlights worth over $40,000.
This upcoming event not only fosters sportsmanship but also serves as a wonderful opportunity for Labasa’s local economy to thrive, showcasing the potential of sports tourism in the region.
In summary, the collaboration between the business community and local authorities highlights a community united in its commitment to leveraging sports events for economic growth. With adequate preparations and strong local support, the Battle of the Giants tournament is poised to be a success for both the town and the football community.
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