Peacekeepers bridge divide through ‘Sports Diplomacy’
Fijians help spread their love for rugby, teaching new players skills and knowledge of the game.
South Sudan is an unlikely place for rugby. However, for a few Fijians, South Sudan is a place that welcomes the seasoned experience of players who really know the sport and can help others learn to play. A few weeks ago a local South Sudanese sports enthusiast decided to hold a rugby tournament to attract new South Sudanese players. But there was one problem – he needed more teams to hold a tournament and more players who knew the game that could coach new players.
An invite was extended to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and that is when Major (MAJ) Sairusi Degei, Team Leader, Joint Operation Centre Staff Officer (SO), responded to the call.
He organised four other Fijian military officers, (Major Josaia Cava, Heavy Transport Officer; Major Seremaia Ligani, Conduct and Discipline Team; Assistant Superintendent Wate Vocevoce, UN Police Operations; Warrant Officer Ratu Emori Bolakoso, Correctional Officer), and one American mili-
For the Fijian players it was a welcome break in their daily stressful and sometimes dangerous assignments in UNMISS.
Although everyone wanted to win and would do their best in the spirit of the game the aim was to spark interest in new players to come again and take part in the joy of rugby – a completely new sport in South Sudan.
Major Degei said: “Sports can be used as a major tool for resistance against the system of racial segregation. Rugby can be a tool to work towards the goal of bringing together divided people. We cannot just look to the corridors of government for a solution, but also to the playing field. Who knows, a rugby star from Juba, South Sudan could emerge in the future.”
For the Fijian players it was a welcome break from their daily stressful and sometimes dangerous assignments in UNMISS.
The best part was that playing the game was like a little piece of home brought to the mission. They all look forward to spreading their love for the game and sharing skills and knowledge with new players in the future.