The Fiji Sports Council (FSC) emphasizes its vital role in nurturing overlooked athletes while managing the nation’s sports facilities, a commitment that has spurred the launch of the Grassroots Sevens Tournament and Volleyball Festival. This upcoming event aims to shine a light on emerging players, smaller clubs, and undiscovered talent who may not have had the opportunity to showcase their abilities.
FSC Events Official Lenaitasi Vakatora highlighted that the initiative represents a significant effort by the Council to support communities that are often excluded from larger competitions. He noted the importance of providing athletes with pathways to develop their skills, stating, “Apart from managing sporting facilities, we also have obligations as a statutory body to develop and enhance sporting talents around the country, especially athletes who wouldn’t normally have an opportunity.”
The festival is positioned to create new opportunities for grassroots teams eager to enter the competitive worlds of sevens rugby and volleyball. According to Vakatora, the tournament will offer a platform for these teams that typically face barriers due to limited resources, entry requirements, and lack of exposure.
“The tournament focuses on offering another pathway for teams at the grassroots level that are unable to compete in well-established tournaments. It’s another avenue for them to showcase their rugby sevens talent and skills, as well as for coaches and management of these grassroots teams,” he said.
As anticipation builds, complete details and schedules for the tournament are expected to be finalized soon, promising an exciting opportunity for Fiji’s hidden athletic talents to shine on a broader stage. This initiative not only fosters local sports development but also strengthens community ties, embodying a hopeful vision for the future of sports in Fiji.