The Navala Youth rugby team is gearing up for the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament, which is scheduled to take place from January 16-18 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Team official Ilairo Belo expressed optimism despite the many challenges they encountered during preparations, including unfavorable weather and a lack of proper training equipment.

Belo highlighted that the players have been proactive, engaging in fundraising efforts for transportation and accommodation to fund their participation in the tournament. They’ve been training for three weeks, often under challenging circumstances, such as using tyres for workouts due to the unavailability of gym equipment. This spirit of improvisation demonstrates the team’s resilience and commitment to their goals.

Additionally, flooding in the area has impacted local infrastructure, including the bridge at their village that connects to the Ba River, making transportation difficult. The team’s usual training grounds were also affected by this flooding, which has further complicated their preparation.

This will be the second time the Navala Youth team competes in the Coral Coast 7s, and they are determined to reach the playoffs. Belo emphasized the importance of a focused mindset and improved communication on the field, as the competition will include top local teams and international invitational teams. He has encouraged the players to avoid negative influences and instead focus on showcasing their talent.

Belo also called upon the villagers of Navala Ba to come out in support of the team during the tournament, emphasizing the importance of community backing as the team represents their village. The bond amongst the players stems from their shared background, as many are related, which adds strength to their teamwork.

The journey of the Navala Youth team embodies the transformative impact of sports within their community, fostering personal growth and providing a platform for these young athletes to aspire towards professional opportunities in rugby. With unity, resilience, and community support, they aim to create a hopeful narrative as they approach the tournament.