Paradise Beverages has committed over $300,000 to sponsor the 2024-2025 Fiji Bitter seven series, demonstrating their support for grassroots rugby in Fiji.
During the sponsorship launch, Mike Spencer, General Manager of Paradise Beverages, emphasized that such sponsorships are crucial for giving back to local communities. He noted that the company has been supporting rugby for nearly five decades, with their inaugural tournament being the prominent Fiji Bitter 7s in 1976. Spencer reiterated their dedication to promoting the growth of rugby within Fiji.
He expressed pride in the organization’s role in nurturing talent from grassroots levels to national teams, citing numerous players from Fiji Bitter-sponsored tournaments who have gone on to represent Fiji in the 7s, Flying Fijians, Fijiana, and the Fijian Drua franchise.
The upcoming Fiji Bitter 7s series will consist of 12 tournaments, organized into six legs, each featuring two tournaments, running from October to March. Spencer extended his best wishes to tournament organizers, teams, and fans for this year’s series.
Rovereto Nayacalevu, CEO of the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), remarked that the Fiji Bitter seven series serves as a vital platform for identifying new talent, creating pathways for players aspiring to join the sevens or fifteens teams. He thanked Paradise Beverages for their long-standing support over the past 48 years, highlighting the positive impact their contributions have made on local communities involved in the series.
The 12 tournaments in the Fiji Bitter Sevens series for 2024-2025 include:
– Kadavu 7s – Namalata School Ground, Vunisea (October 3 – 5)
– Malake 7s – Narauyabe Sports Ground, Rakiraki (FSC) (October 10 – 12)
– Mataso 7s – Nadovu Ground, Lautoka (November 15 – 16)
– Yalovata 7s – Nasau Park, Levuka (November 21 -23)
– Yasawa 7s – Churchill Park, Lautoka (December 6 – 7)
– Wairiki 7s – Wairiki Parish Grounds, Taveuni (December 11 – 14)
– Labasa 7s – Subrail Park, Labasa. (January 9 – 11)
– Savusavu 7s – Ganilau Park, Savusavu (January 16 – 18)
– Nahehevia 7s – Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka (February 13 – 15)
– Tabadamu 7s – Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori (February 20 – 22)
– Nawaka 7s – Prince Charles Park, Nadi (March 20 – 22)
– Marist 7s – HFC Stadium, Suva (March 27 – 29)