The upcoming RC Manubhai Natovi 7s tournament is poised to spotlight a myriad of local rugby teams, spanning over 32 men’s and 10 women’s netball teams at the Natovi Parish Grounds this weekend. Tournament controller Paji Tiko articulated the event’s deeper significance beyond just sports, emphasizing the promotion of a drug-free lifestyle, the fight against domestic violence, and the commitment to developing grassroots rugby.
Tiko highlighted that while teams like Tabadamu will participate, the majority are local, community-based squads hailing from the Tailevu Northland area and other regions such as Ra, Vanua Levu, and Lomaiviti. The tournament aims to nurture local talent and ultimately develop a competitive team capable of participating in larger events including the Fiji Bitter 7s series. This initiative is an important step in addressing the sports development needs of regions that often go unrecognized, and Tiko noted that the tournament serves as a platform for visibility and acknowledgment.
Though women’s rugby will not feature prominently this year due to the low number of registered teams, the event still offers a substantial prize pool for the men’s competition—$3000 for the winner and $1500 for the runner-up, intending to incentivize participation and competition.
As witnessed in other recent tournaments like the Fiji Bitter Mataso Nakorovou 7s, which echoed similar themes of promoting a drug-free environment and celebrating community spirit, the Natovi 7s is also designed to foster unity and resilience through sports. Such tournaments emphasize local culture and collective efforts for healthier lifestyles.
The action kicks off on Friday morning, providing a ripe opportunity for the community to engage and support their local teams, reinforcing the role of sports in fostering social responsibility and collaboration in Fiji. Events like the Natovi 7s play a pivotal role in bridging the gap in sports engagement within local communities, encouraging a hopeful future for both the sport and its players.
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