A non-government organisation – Healing, Counselling and Development Ministry, Fiji – has come onboard as the sponsor of a local rugby sevens team which also includes a business development program for the team members in the long run.
Members of the Infinity Nabouwalu Selection Rugby sevens team yesterday received a timely boost from the NGO as the team prepares to leave for Savusavu to play in the Fiji Bitter Savusavu 7s tournament this week.
Pastor Inosi Vono who is also the chief executive officer of the NGO, said this was their initiative to assist the team during the tournament and at the same time assist the members in improving their standard of living.
He said it was very common to see some very talented rugby players from the country play but then their standard of living continued to be neglected.
The organisation launched its initiative – GAP 40s – through which the organisation will develop business plans that would be used to uplift the standard of living and life for the players.
“GAP means Gods anointed people and through our sponsorship we will not only help them with the game but also provide them guidance for spiritual development and we will also be looking after their future.
“We have to bring a better quality to their life. Now we will help improve their housing and help improve their standard of living,” Pastor Vono said.
He said the details of the business plans would be released at a later date.
According to Pastor Vono, former Fiji rugby sevens representatives William Ryder and Peni Gaunimeke are also part of the team and will also provide guidance and upskill the younger players in terms of both the match and their life.
The NGO’s director training and development, Isoa Tauribau said it was an opportune time for the members of the team to showcase their skills in the Fiji Bitter Savusavu 7s and take advantage of the organisation’s programs to improve their lives and livelihood.
Mr Tauribau said the team would advocate the name GAP and showcase their skills while the organisation would continue to assist in their professional development and skills enhancement with the objective to lift the standard of living for all members.
Meanwhile Pastor Vono said if there were organisations that had similar vision and were willing to come on board for the program, they were welcome to do so.
The organisation will be based at their office at the City Apartments in Toorak, Suva.
