ORGANISERS of this year's Fiji Bitter Gaunovou sevens have promised a grand tournament, starting today at Ganilau Park in Savusavu.
A total of 32 teams, including top 7s teams from Viti Levu, have been registered for the three-day event.
Gaunavou 7s team manager and tournament organising committee member Patrick Qilatabu said they planned an exciting program to mark the 7th edition of the tournament.
He said for the first time, they had seven teams from Viti Levu competing in the tournament.
Qilatabu said defending champions Police (from Suva) had brought two teams to participate in the tournament.
"We have 32 teams in the main competition (rugby), 10 teams in the under-19 competition and 20 teams in the netball competition this year," Qilatabu said.
"We have teams like Wardens, Red Rock, Westfield Saunaka, Marika Vunibaka and Pio Tuwai's teams competing."
Qilatabu said they also had teams from Taveuni, Bua and Labasa area taking part.
They are Nasolo Young Boys (Bua), Army team from Labasa (Bainivualiku) and Taveuni-based clubs, Somosomo Sharks, Somosomo Lakers and Naselesele.
Qilatabu said the rest of the teams were from Savusavu and Wailevu area.
"We have included the Prime Minister's flood appeal to help those affected by the floods in the Western Division," he said.
"The entry fee to the tournament is $5 (per day) and $1 will go towards the PM's flood appeal.
"Overall, we are expecting a tough competition and hoping it would be better than the previous ones we had."
The winner (in the main competition) will get $5000 prizemoney.