$40k boost for Nawaka Sevens
AWallis & Futuna rugby club has confirmed its participation in the 36th $40,000 Fiji Bitter Nawaka sevens tournament in Nadi next month.
While handing over the $40,000 cheque on Wednesday night Paradise and Beverages general manager sales and corporate affairs Joe Rodan Senior said Fiji Rugby Union only allowed them certain time to host the 14 tournaments they sponsor.
“The window for sponsorship is very tight for us because FRU has allowed us to sponsor sevens meet from November to April,” Rodan Snr said.
“Other months they don’t allow us because of they have their competitions to run. It is tough for us and somehow, we will fit it in. Fiji Bitter Sponsorship Tournaments are important for us and for Fiji,” he said.
“We’re happy to sponsor the tournament again because of its contribution to the development in the communities and the number of quality players coming out from Nadi to represent Fiji.
“For 36 years we have been sponsoring this tournament and we have given more than $1 million the past 35 years. When we look at it and compare it to other companies, I don’t think others do what we do in terms of grassroots sports development and the development of communities.
“And for us we are happy doing this because of what Nawaka has shown us through the years, the number of quality players from this village wearing the national jersey.”
Nawaka Rugby Club President, Eparama Sailo confirmed the two day event will be held on February 3-4 at Prince Charles Park.
“We are grateful to Paradise Beverage for trusting us and now partnering with us for the 36th time,” Sailo said.
“Nawaka 7s provides a wide platform for grassroots teams to come and display their talents over the two days in true sportsmanship.
“This tournament is held before the Hong Kong 7s; it is a good opportunity for teams to bring in their players to showcase their talents. Selectors will be there to scout for new talents also.
“A club from Wallis and Futuna has confirmed their participation.”
The tournament will have the men, women, Under-21 in both men and women and a category for the Indo-Fijian brothers. “Those are the only ones we are looking at so far. We will be sitting again for the next few days and confirm the categories,” Sailo said. Defending champions Wardens for the men and Army for the women will be back to defend their titles this year according to Sailo.