The Votualevu Youth Rugby Club is transforming the landscape of youth sports in Fiji, providing a crucial lifeline as the community grapples with a severe drug crisis. According to club official Seremaia Visawaqa, the revival of one of Nadi’s historic clubs is not merely about restoring tradition; it is fundamentally about saving the lives of young individuals.
Visawaqa emphasizes the alarming trend of children being lured into dangerous behaviors, noting that sports have proven to be an effective shield against such influences. He points out that while the club aims to reconnect with its legacy of producing outstanding players, its primary mission now is to combat the pervasive drug issue threatening the youth.
“This was one of the oldest clubs in Nadi and it used to produce a lot of great players back in the day but then it just disappeared. We decided to revive the club once again so we could join in the fight against drugs,” he explains.
The commitment of the Votualevu Youth Rugby Club transcends mere rhetoric; they are dedicated to providing real alternatives to youth. “We’re not trying to just preach about it but to actually do something about it so these kids are drawn away from drugs,” Visawaqa asserts.
The urgency of their efforts is underscored by troubling statistics emerging from Fiji, where the youngest recorded drug user is just seven years old. “If we don’t do nothing now, it will be too late,” Visawaqa warns, highlighting the pressing need for proactive engagement with young people.
In this context, the upcoming Nadi Junior Rugby Festival, featuring 95 teams across Under-8 to Under-18 categories in both boys’ and girls’ divisions, symbolizes much more than a competitive event. Supported by Oceania Rugby, it represents a beacon of hope, structure, and purpose for hundreds of young individuals who are in critical need of guidance and support.
The Votualevu Youth Rugby Club is thus not only reviving a sporting tradition but also fostering a community united in the fight against drug abuse, instilling a sense of responsibility and resilience among the youth.