More than 650 primary school students participated in the Get Into Rugby (GIR) Plus Rugby Festival held yesterday at Buckhurst Park in Suva. The weather was exceptionally favorable throughout the event, a significant improvement from last year when heavy rain forced an early conclusion, disrupting the proceedings.
This year, with safe playing conditions in place, the young athletes engaged in tag rugby matches, cheered on by their families and supporters. Noame Rabeni, the GIR Plus support officer, expressed gratitude for the weather, which she described as an answer to their prayers. “We’ve always reminded our players and coaches to keep praying for the weather because sometimes you can’t predict it. We’re so thankful it turned out like this,” Rabeni remarked.
She also acknowledged the unwavering support from parents and guardians, highlighting the festival’s role in building community spirit and fostering enthusiasm for youth sports. This event not only showcased the talents of young players but also emphasized the importance of teamwork and encouragement from the sidelines.
The GIR Plus program has been instrumental in promoting essential values such as discipline, respect, integrity, passion, and solidarity among participants. These principles go beyond the field, aiming to instill life skills that benefit students both in their sports endeavors and everyday life.
The success of the festival sends a hopeful message about the future of youth sports in Fiji, illustrating how organized events can inspire young athletes while fostering community engagement and character development. As these young players continue to learn and grow, the emphasis on values within sports will contribute significantly to their overall development and the betterment of their communities.
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