The St Teresa Naba team recently showcased their talent and determination at the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s in Taveuni, entering the tournament solely through fundraising efforts, without any sponsorship. Team manager Sefanaia Vakaloloma shared that the team’s inception stemmed from a previous well-known squad, leading them to form a new team to represent their vanua, or land.
The journey to the tournament was driven by community fundraising, essential for making their participation a reality. Vakaloloma emphasized that the support from families and the wider community has been crucial throughout their training and preparations, particularly as many players were participating for the first time.
As the tournament progressed, St Teresa Naba’s performance was a mix of ups and downs. They won their inaugural pool match against Davetalevu by default, faced a narrow loss to Supercool Vatukoro with a score of 7-12, and managed a goalless draw with Naselesele before claiming a victory over Sausauvou Taveuni, finishing at 14-12.
This story reflects not only the spirit of sportsmanship but also the power of community support and perseverance. The St Teresa Naba team’s achievements thus far, despite limited resources, underscore their dedication and passion for rugby. Their journey can serve as an inspiration to other grassroots teams aiming to achieve their dreams, illustrating that with commitment and community backing, notable accomplishments are possible.
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