IT is an event that will bring the people of Nadi and those from different parts of Fiji together. The Dratabu Rugby Club has pegged its first ever sevens tournament as something for everyone that loves the game of rugby in the abbreviated code.
Dubbed the Giant of Giant Sevens, organisers want the tournament to attract young men who have the potential to don the esteemed white jersey. Former Fiji rep and tournament official Ponipate Bainivalu said the tournament was for the youths in rural communities.
"This is a tournament for our youths and for the sport of rugby sevens. I organised this with my brother who is now in Canada and he was kind enough to fund the whole tournament," said Mr Bainivalu. He said it is also a platform for rural teams to showcase their talents. "This isn't for the big teams in the cities, it also for the teams in the villages and in our rural communities.
"When I represented the Fiji team, the most important aspect about my career was that I never let anything distract me. I want to provide a chance for our youths in villages to come out and play rugby and for them to be discovered," said Mr Bainivalu. He said 64 teams would be taking part in the tournament.
"We've confirmed big teams like Red Rock and Wardens for the tournament and some other teams that are still yet to confirm but we are expecting them to show a keen interest in the tournament." The tournament will commemorate the memory of former Lautoka residents Mr and Mrs Muni Deo whose children are now residing in Canada.
Their children have put up a $20,000 prize money for the winners of the tournament. Winning teams will walk away with prize money and the Mr and Mrs Muni Deo trophy. The tournament will also have Plate and Bowl winners while the player of the tournament will also walk away with a trophy.
The organisers also have prizes for the spectators. Co-organiser Rachel Bainivalu said those who bought tickets to the two day tournament could either win a 4.5litre Jim Beam or a 1.75litre Grey Goose Vodka.
Mrs Bainivalu said tickets would sell at $5 each for adults and $3 for children. The tournament will be held from August 23 to 24.