THE Fiji Bitter Nawaka sevens tournament organisers are hoping to put together an exciting tournament to bring some relief to the flood-stricken people of Nadi.
Organising committee member Viliame Varasikete said they were planning something "special" to mark the 25th year of the Nawaka 7s on May 18-19 at the Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
He said they were planning a 'Picnic in the Park' kind of festivity along with the two-day of hard-hitting rugby.
Varasikete said they were holding talks with their official television partner, FBC TV, to put together something similar to the 'Picnic in the Park' event last Saturday.
"This is the 25th anniversary of the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s and we want to organise something different this time to mark the occasion," he said.
Varasikete said they had to reduce the teams to 48 to accommodate the program they were putting together.
He said they would be revealing the plans once everything was confirmed.
"We want to create a tournament for everyone. Nadi have gone through a lot after the floods and we are hoping to give something back to them," Varasikete said.
Alongside the Cup competition, the organisers have put together an under-18 competition to help with the development of 7s rugby.
"Last year we had the U19 competition, which we have changed to U18 to go in line with the Fiji Rugby Union and Deans competition," Varasikete said.
"The tournament also falls on the middle of the 15s season so we are expecting to see a lot of hardcore grassroots talent during the tournament."
Varasikete said almost 20 teams had confirmed their participation.
He said teams willing to participate needed to hurry as they have limited space left.
"The Westfield Saunaka had confirmed along with the Army and Prison teams. The Fiji 7s team, which will be back from the London 7s by then, also showed their interest to participate."
Foster's Group Pacific Limited has given $25,000 in total sponsorship. The winner will get $10,000.
The Sailosi Naiteqe-coached Samurai Barracudas are the defending champions.