You can’t run away from the fact that sport holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many Fijians.
After months of restrictions, soccer fans finally let their hair down, and pulled on their team colours at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
The annual Battle of the Giants tournament got underway with a bang.
The fans lapped up the excitement, savoured the magical atmosphere to the brim, and the action on the field lived up to expectations it seemed.
At least the cheers, and sounds of joy and laughter reflected that line of thinking.
The cheers reached dizzying heights when the hosts Lautoka took on the might of Rewa in the final game of the opening day of the tournament.
Rewa edged the Blues 3-2, but soccer was the winner it seems.
The fans were in tune with the action on the field.
Nothing can take away the enjoyment that sporting events inch out.
It’s hard to describe.
But there is passion.
There is a connection that is tightly woven into the very fabric of Fijian soccer for instance.
It seemed fans couldn’t wait to get back into the action.
They couldn’t wait to be involved once again.
Games continue today and tomorrow.
Moving forward, interest will no doubt be on how teams cope with the Western heat, and how they adapt to the humidity levels.
We have another exciting weekend of sports before us.
This afternoon, in rugby union, Namosi, following their win over Nadroga last weekend, will be defending the coveted Farebrother Sullivan Trophy against Naitasiri at Thomson Park in Navua.
It’s the main game of the weekend.
It pits two teams with vanua-based support, battling for the premier rugby prize in the country.
This is what ruggers over the years have fought for.
This is what they shed sweat and tears for.
While there will be other rounds of the Skipper Cup competition running as well today around the country, attention will no doubt be focused on Navua.
The double header is already attracting a lot of attention.
So which team will it be?
Can Namosi hold on to the trophy this weekend?
Or will the men from the hills of Naitasiri travel back home with the prize.
Time will tell this afternoon.
As we go about our tasks though today, we must remind ourselves of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Let’s adhere to social distancing rules.
Do not touch your face when you are out in public.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Sneeze or cough into your elbow, or into a tissue and dispose this immediately safely.
Let’s enjoy ourselves this weekend, but keep in mind the fact that COVID-19 is real.
It’s good, and certainly fulfilling, to have that sense of excitement, joy and happiness.
It sort of takes away all the troubles of the world, even if it’s just for a few hours.
Social distancing matters though.
Remember that!
