The Drua Foundation, in partnership with the Reddy Foundation, is launching a transformative program in Vanua Levu this December. This initiative is designed to empower young people, including players, coaches, and officials, by providing them with unique learning opportunities from expert trainers and rugby professionals. This collaboration underscores a commitment to nurturing rugby talent in remote communities while simultaneously promoting health and education initiatives through the sport.
Held in Labasa from December 2 to December 4, the three-day training event will focus on building the skills of coaches and officials. With workshops on Safeguarding and Finance Literacy facilitated by ANZ, the program is a joint effort to strengthen community ties through rugby. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with World Rugby Level 1 courses covering First Aid, Introduction to Coaching, and Strength and Conditioning for Children, equipping them to implement rugby programs in their local communities.
Reddy Foundation Managing Director, Rohit Reddy, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, aiming to foster communal bonds through rugby while promoting education and resilience. Similarly, Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, viewing it as vital for extending the reach and impact of such programs to fortify communities via rugby.
This initiative builds upon past efforts by the Drua Foundation, which has worked with organizations like the New Zealand Government to connect remote communities through rugby. Earlier projects have focused on encouraging youth participation, boosting women’s involvement in the sport, and combining education and health outcomes through rugby training programs across various Fijian regions.
In conclusion, the collaboration between the Drua and Reddy Foundations represents a promising advance in harnessing rugby’s potential as a unifying and developmental force in Fiji’s rural areas. It not only indicates investment in the sport but also in the comprehensive development of Fijian youth, laying the foundation for a brighter future facilitated by the influential platform of rugby.