Saukuru says more funds needed for Fiji 7s teams
MINISTER for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru expects more funds to be channelled into the Fiji 7s and Fijiana 7s teams to promote the country around the world.
Saukuru attended the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments in Los Angeles and Vancouver, witnessing first-hand the support the national teams received.
Upon his arrival in Nadi yesterday, Saukuru said rugby 7s was the flagship promoting Fiji and its economy.
Saukuru said rugby 7s was what Fiji was known for throughout the world.
“One thing is for sure that after coming back from LA and Vancouver, that I’m of the view that it is about time that we as a nation should prioritise our efforts on the 7s side of things,” he said.
“I saw the Fijian communities in LA and Vancouver as to how they really gathered together to support our team. It was a big thing.
“What happened in Vancouver is that on the last day, our communities put up a function. They donated stuff and gave money to the players. That’s something to be thankful for.”
Saukuru said over the years, government had been giving money to Tourism Fiji in grants but not much went towards the national 7s teams.
“The national 7s teams are the ones doing promotion for Fiji as far as tourism is concerned, but are we supporting them enough to compete at that level?” he asked.
“If there is no Fiji 7s team in those tournaments then the tournaments will collapse. That’s the way I see it.
“As soon as the Fiji spectators leave, the ground is empty. So I think we should refocus on rugby 7s as part of our tourism campaign.”