The Navala Youth sevens rugby team is preparing energetically for the upcoming McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament, scheduled for January 16-18 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Despite facing numerous challenges in their preparations, the team remains optimistic and committed to their goals. Team official Ilairo Belo highlighted that the players have taken initiative by organizing fundraising activities to cover their transportation and accommodation costs for this significant three-day event.

The team has been training diligently for three weeks, often under tough conditions due to adverse weather and limited training facilities. Many players use makeshift equipment like tires for their workouts due to the lack of proper gym resources. Recent flooding has further hindered their access to training grounds and affected local infrastructure, including a bridge connecting their village to the Ba River.

This tournament marks the Navala Youth team’s second appearance, and their ambitious goal is to progress to the playoffs. Belo emphasizes the importance of maintaining a focused mindset and effective communication on the field, especially given that they will face strong local teams and international competitors.

In addition to promoting athletic skills, Belo urges the players to stay away from negative influences, encouraging them to use the tournament as a platform to showcase their talents, potentially paving the way for professional rugby careers. The close-knit bond among team members, many of whom are related and hail from the same village, enhances their teamwork and unity.

Belo is also rallying the Navala Ba community to support the team during the tournament, reiterating that the collective encouragement from their village is vital for morale and motivation.

The journey of the Navala Youth rugby team is not just about the sport itself; it embodies resilience, determination, and the spirit of community. Their preparations resonate with the transformative power of sports, showcasing how it can foster personal growth and unite individuals towards common aspirations. As they head into the tournament, they represent hope and dedication, demonstrating that with hard work and community support, they can achieve their dreams both on and off the field.