In conjunction with the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a unique event took place last week at Suva’s Bidesi Park. This marked the inaugural Get Into Rugby (GIR) Plus Festival, where primary school students gathered for a day of friendly tag rugby matches.
Teams from various schools in Suva, Naitasiri, Nasinu, Rewa, and Nausori participated, giving both boys and girls a platform to showcase their skills. Oripa Lee, the GIR Plus coordinator, emphasized that the tournament aimed to cultivate an environment of respect and trust between genders, aligned with the values instilled through rugby.
The foundational principles of rugby, represented by the acronym DRIPS—Discipline, Respect, Integrity, Passion, and Solidarity—are at the heart of this initiative. Lee explained that the participating children are taught to embody these values not just on the rugby field but in their everyday lives. She noted that fostering these core values is crucial to eliminating negativity such as cheating and violence.
To further promote a positive atmosphere, the Lautoka Primary Schools Association has shifted their terminology from competition to festival, encouraging a focus on sportsmanship while showcasing talents.
Lee observed a notable change in both students and their supporters, marking a departure from previous conflict-laden events. The GIR Plus program aims for a comprehensive approach to development by teaching children to respect their peers and maintain the spirit of fair play while promoting gender equality.
Selai Korovusere, the director of the Department of Women, highlighted that sports like rugby are vital tools for implementing the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls. She noted that Fiji boasts strong protective legislation for women and girls and is advancing efforts to prevent violence before it occurs. The incorporation of these values in sports settings aligns with efforts to instill healthier relationships within the educational curriculum.
Coaches from participating schools echoed the program’s goals. Maca Kaloundonu shared her experiences of fostering a violence-free atmosphere, with students encouraged to express their feelings openly. Similarly, Dominika Marama and Neli Nabogi remarked on the challenges of starting in a historically male-dominated sport, but emphasized their commitment to teaching respect and equality.
The event underscored the potential of sports as a transformative platform for instilling good moral values among children, while the visible shift in attitudes reinforces hope for a more respectful and inclusive future.
In summary, the Get Into Rugby Plus Festival not only served as an entertaining sporting event but also as a critical initiative promoting gender equality and respect through the core values of rugby, proving that sports can be a powerful catalyst for social change.
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