Students of Wailevu West District School in Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu got to meet former Wallabies players Radike Samo and Lote Tuqiri in celebrating overcoming adversity and challenges on Wednesday.
The Fijian Rugby legends were accompanied by Queensland Reds players Isaac Henry and Joanna Rabaka who held fun-filled rugby activities for both the primary and senior students.
The visiting rugby representatives also got to spend time with the hardworking construction workers who are busy rebuilding the school following the devastation left by Tropical Cyclone YASA.
The players are in Vanua Levu as part of Fiji Rugby Union and Rugby Australia’s Vuvale Week tour that is celebrating the strong Rugby bond that unites our two nations.
“I feel absolutely blown away by the kind hospitality of the Fijian people since the start of the visit,” said Henry.
“Getting this opportunity to spread happiness through rugby in Fiji, particularly around areas that have faced some tough challenges is an experience I’ll never forget.”
Rugby Australia’s Pacific Partnerships Manager, Daniel Millis, said “It is heartening to see such a great partnership between Fiji and Australia and the massive rebuild efforts that are taking place at the school.” Millis said
“We hope the visit of the Rugby players was an added boost for the school and village. The players loved spending time with the students, sharing their love of the game and inspiring young minds to pursue their dreams both in sport and life.”
The Australian Government has been supporting the reconstruction of the school with a total investment of $3.7 million.
The Australian Government’s overall Cyclone recovery program aims to rehabilitate nine schools in Vanua Levu and two hospitals in Kadavu and Taveuni.
The total program is currently valued at AUD28.5 million and is a testament to the Australian Government’s commitment to the people of Fiji.
