The Fiji Sports Council (FSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting overlooked athletes and managing the nation’s sports facilities, as it prepares for the upcoming Grassroots Sevens Tournament and Volleyball Festival. This new event aims to highlight emerging players, smaller clubs, and undiscovered talent who have not previously had the chance to showcase their abilities in competitive sports.
Lenaitasi Vakatora, an FSC Events Official, underscored the initiative as a significant step towards benefiting communities often excluded from larger competitions. He emphasized the importance of providing athletes with avenues to develop their skills, stating that the FSC not only oversees sporting facilities but also has a responsibility to enhance sporting talent across the country—particularly for those who typically do not have access to such opportunities.
The festival is designed to create new prospects for grassroots teams eager to navigate the challenging landscapes of sevens rugby and volleyball. Vakatora explained that the tournament will serve as a vital platform for these teams, which often encounter hurdles related to limited resources, stringent entry requirements, and a lack of visibility within competitive arenas.
“This tournament focuses on creating another pathway for grassroots-level teams that may struggle to compete in established tournaments. It offers them an opportunity to showcase their rugby sevens skills, as well as a chance for coaches and team management to gain insights into their talents,” he elaborated.
With excitement growing around this initiative, further details and schedules for the tournament are anticipated to be finalized shortly. The event represents not only a chance for Fiji’s hidden athletic talent to shine but also an effort that fosters local sports development and strengthens community connections, projecting a hopeful vision for the future of sports in Fiji.