VATULELE is a picturesque island located off the Coral Coast of Viti Levu, Fiji, renowned for its endemic red prawns and the unique masi designs that reflect the richness of iTaukei culture. This year, Vatulele hosted the Mick’s Fiji Tours & Transfers Vatulele 7s, a thrilling two-day rugby tournament held on December 19-20 at the Vatulele District School in Ekubu, the village that serves as the traditional seat of the Taukei na Vunisa Levu, Ratu Joji Toge.
Now in its third year, the Vatulele 7s was moved back home after being held in various locations in the past, providing island residents with an exciting opportunity to enjoy high-level rugby matches over the course of the tournament. The event was conceived by Ekubu villagers Vilive Qionikorolevu and Asesela Naborisi, who aimed to give back to their community, with this year’s proceeds set aside for constructing a new walkway for the local district school.
The journey to the island began with a rollercoaster boat ride from Korolevu, navigating through turbulent waters before arriving at the warm welcome of Naborisi’s family, who graciously accommodated the visiting team. Each moment on the island served as a reminder of the joys of simple living, far removed from the conveniences of urban life.
The tournament kicked off on a sunny Thursday, albeit with four out of 28 expected teams unable to attend, leading to some matches being won by default. This unforeseen turn of events allowed quicker match progressions and built excitement for the subsequent elimination rounds. The intensity ramped up as teams vied for quarter-final places, showcasing exhilarating skill and determination.
On the final day, December 20, matches continued to captivate the audience. Notable performances emerged, most prominently from the TEMC Warriors, led by former national 7s representative Semi Kunatani, who triumphed with a commanding 34-5 victory against Gold Coast Senibiau in the cup final. Meanwhile, the Naboutini team, composed of secondary school students, secured the shield trophy, and the Hydro Bukuya side claimed the bowl trophy.
The success of the tournament was underscored by the appreciation expressed by tournament director Vilive Qionikorolevu, who thanked the sponsors Mick’s Fiji Tours & Transfers for their invaluable support. The company has committed to continuing its sponsorship for the next tournament, a testament to the event’s community-focused spirit.
Reflecting on the experience, it became clear how often we take our daily conveniences for granted. In Vatulele, the heartfelt hospitality and meaningful connections made showcased the island’s enduring spirit and community Bonds. Leaving the island felt bittersweet, but the calm seas symbolized a safe return to reality and a hopeful anticipation for the next year’s tournament scheduled for August.
This event showcased not just the talent on the rugby field, but the power of community engagement and the beauty of cultural exchanges, paving the way for growth in local sports and fostering societal connections that are invaluable.
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