Malake 7s to help players
THE Fijian rugby public has been invited to support the inaugural Fiji Bitter Malake 7s and Netball tournament which is scheduled for Thursday, January 20 - 22 at the Ra Sports Ground in Rakiraki.
Malake Rugby Club and the tournament major sponsor Paradise Beverages Ltd are organising the event to help projects and young people of Malake Village in Ra.
As the new year unfolds, and the school year starting this week, tournament director Isoa Tute said money raised from the event would go towards development projects in the village and the club.
"This is all about giving back to the community, especially funding projects that are in place to help our village," Tute said.
"Some money will help develop our rugby team to develop and prepare them to take part in bigger tournaments such as the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s, Nawaka 7s and other tournaments.
"We are doing these for our young men, groom them, and showcase their talents so that one day, one of them could represent the country.
"Not all players will wear the white jersey, so by showcasing their talents we can help them secure a job, especially in the security forces or if they are lucky, they get an overseas contract."
Tute said most of their players were unemployed.
"With the little money they receive, it helps them support their family, so imagine them securing bigger contracts it will be a big boost to their family."
He said 20 men's and five women's teams had register for the event.
He said teams such as Army, Wardens and Fire had fully paid their registration fees and they were awaiting other teams.
"We are targeting 32 men's and eight women's teams. We are grateful to Paradise Beverages and Fiji Bitter for coming onboard and DXC apparel for sponsoring our uniforms and giving us $2000.
The winning men's team would win $5000.