IBRP clinic back after two years
AFTER a lapse of two years, the Island Breeze Rugby Plus (IBRP) clinic has returned.
With two clinics confirmed for Vatukalo Village in Ovalau on January 10-12 and Tacilevu Village in Vanua Levu on the 16-20 a total of 100 participants, young men and women, have been confirmed to take part.
Director Waqa Baravilala said this year’s clinic came as a welcome relief for the organisation that had run clinics in Fiji, Vanuatu and Solomon Island for the past 18 years.
“We are thankful to our sponsors, the China Railway First Group, for the sponsorship this season, which has enabled us to run these two clinics,” he said.
“Rugby, or any other sport for that matter, is a uniting common denominator in the world today.
“We at Island Breeze believe that we can use sport as a vehicle to influence our youths to be better individuals in their families, mataqali, their vanua, and ultimately be great citizens of our beloved nation, contributing positively to its growth.
“Our clinics are not solely based on rugby skills and coaching. We have sports chaplaincy, mental health awareness sessions, community development, financial literacy and engaging the Fiji Police in this community as well.”
IBRP has enlisted the service of former Manu Samoa test hooker Onehunga Mata`uaiau to be the guest speaker at the two clinics.
“We are grateful that Onehunga
can avail his time and to be here in Fiji to give back to rugby.
“What he has learned over the past years. I am sure young Fijians at the clinic will be blessed with his contributions.”
Also part of the clinic is former Fiji Bati and current rugby league development officer Jone Wesele.