“Uplifting Youths: How Sports is Fighting Against Drugs and Alcohol”

The ANCF Nakelo Covenant Brothers under-18-21 team is making significant strides in promoting positive behavior among young individuals amidst the challenges posed by drug and alcohol temptations. Recently, the team competed in the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s tournament, where they faced Nabouwalu Selection in their first pool match, resulting in a 7-14 defeat. Despite this setback, Coach Marika Rakai remains hopeful, looking at the tournament as an opportunity for exposure and valuable learning experiences.

Rakai emphasized that the program is fundamentally designed to uplift youths and guide them away from substance abuse. They have encountered various challenges during their preparations, including training sessions along the highway and coastal areas at Nasilai. “We have faced a number of challenges yet we are thankful for enduring it since it has strengthened us,” he shared, highlighting the resilience built through these experiences.

As the team gears up for upcoming games against Aqua Pro Savuiqali, Nabouwalu Enterprise Selection, and Flying Tiger, they are placing a strong emphasis on spiritual guidance and personal growth. Coach Rakai encouraged his players to concentrate on improvement and building a solid foundation, expressing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite their initial loss: “It is unfortunate that we lost, but we’re looking towards the Lord since this is our first tournament.”

This narrative aligns with similar youth sports initiatives, like the Naboutini Village team, which participated in the Mick’s Fiji Tours & Transfers Vatulele 7s. Both teams underscore the transformative power of sports as a constructive diversion from drugs, emphasizing community support to elevate the young athletes involved.

As the Nakelo Brothers continue their journey, their resilience and commitment to personal and community values serve as a hopeful message for the future. Their dedication illustrates how engaging in sports can foster growth and act as a deterrent against negative influences, inspiring other youths to follow a similar path of positivity and empowerment.