Former national 7s winger Amenoni Nasilasila made a remarkable appearance for the Yaro Chiefs 7s team at the Wadigi 7s tournament, held at Nadovu Park in Lautoka. His performance helped secure victory in all their pool matches, showcasing his skills and dedication on the field. This tournament came as a welcomed opportunity for Nasilasila, who had to miss the Skipper Cup final against Naitasiri due to competition regulations.
The Wadigi tournament, which featured both rugby 7s and women’s netball, aimed to provide a platform for players and raise awareness about drug issues among youth. Tournament coordinator Paul Batina expressed the dual objectives of promoting athletic talent and ensuring that young people engage in positive activities instead of drugs. He stated, “We have two objectives for this tournament, one is to give players who missed out in the 15s rugby competition a chance to showcase their skills in 7s. Another is to raise awareness on drug issues by involving youths of the Yavusa Na Koi Vuda in sports activities rather than turning to drugs.”
The event saw participation from 32 rugby 7s teams and eight netball teams, reflecting a strong community interest in sports. The champions in rugby walked away with a prize of $5,000, while the runners-up and semi-finalists also received monetary rewards.
The emphasis on youth engagement in sports echoes sentiments from similar tournaments, such as the Waimanu 7s and the Fiji Bitter Nahehevia 7s, which also aim to foster community ties while highlighting the significance of sports as a constructive outlet for young people. As these events flourished, they have contributed to a growing culture of rugby in Fiji, promoting not just athletic skill but also personal and community development.
Overall, the Wadigi 7s tournament stands as a testament to the positive role of sports in enhancing youth development and community spirit, instilling a hopeful outlook for continued engagement in such beneficial initiatives.
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