The Drua Foundation and Reddy Foundation are launching an exciting initiative in Vanua Levu this December, focused on empowering young individuals, players, coaches, and officials through rugby. This new program, developed out of a partnership between the two foundations, aims at bridging remote communities with the unifying power of rugby.
Running from December 2nd to 4th in Labasa, and supported by Damodar Event Cinemas and ANZ, the event is set to address both technical and educational aspects of rugby. It also integrates broader health and educational objectives. The initiative will provide training in Safeguarding and Finance Literacy, with participants having access to World Rugby Level 1 courses, teaching First Aid, Introduction to Coaching, and Strength and Conditioning for Children.
Rohit Reddy, Managing Director of the Reddy Foundation, expressed that the partnership highlights the impact of collaboration. By joining the Drua Foundation’s efforts, it aims to present new opportunities in areas often underserved, fostering unity through sport while promoting education and resilience.
Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans emphasized the project’s importance for community strengthening via rugby. The program is designed to equip coaches and officials with the skills to implement rugby initiatives locally, enhancing grassroots development and potentially uplifting the whole community through sports.
The initiative in Vanua Levu builds upon the Drua Foundation’s previous efforts, resembling past collaborations supported by entities like the New Zealand Government, which also aimed at utilizing rugby for advancing community development, education, and health outcomes, especially in remote areas of Fiji. These programs successfully enhance participation at the grassroots level, with a particular focus on women’s involvement.
In essence, the joint efforts of the Drua and Reddy Foundations offer a promising future for community cohesion and youth engagement in Fiji. Through rugby, they are forging pathways for broader social benefits, aiming to make a significant positive impact on the country’s youth and communities.