The inaugural Serua Namosi Community Games 2025, held at Thompson Park in Navua over the weekend, was a remarkable success, celebrating two days of vibrant competition and camaraderie. With approximately 1,000 participants competing in sports such as touch rugby, netball, volleyball, and futsal soccer, the event fostered unity among the diverse communities of the Serua and Namosi provinces.
Tournament director Sera Yavita expressed her delight with the turnout and emphasized the friendly and supportive atmosphere that enveloped the competition. The main objective of the Community Games was to encourage safe and connected communities through sport while assessing the region’s sports development. In light of ongoing social and economic challenges, including drug-related issues and the prevalence of HIV, events like these play a critical role in promoting health and well-being within the community.
Participants from various areas, from Navunisoco to Navutulevu, gathered to celebrate their shared passions and interests, strengthening bonds of peace and harmony among locals. The event was organized by the Fiji National Sports Commission in partnership with the Serua and Namosi Organising Committee, with valuable support from the vanua, vunivalu, and provincial offices. Special acknowledgment was given to the Namosi Provincial Office and numerous sponsors whose commitment significantly contributed to the event’s success.
In the competitive arena, Tadevo Community triumphed in the Men’s Volleyball category, with Vunimasi as the runner-up. Nakavu Village seized victory in the Women’s Volleyball division, while Veivatuloa excelled in the Touch Rugby Men’s category with Qilai taking second place. The Netball Women’s championship was also won by Veivatuloa, followed closely by Navua Urban. In the Men’s Mix category, Lobau Village emerged victorious, with Veivatuloa again securing the runner-up position, and the Futsal category was claimed by the team from Rio.
The enthusiasm displayed during the Community Games reflects a growing commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for local youth. Such initiatives not only deliver joy and excitement but also serve as essential platforms for building social connections and promoting holistic development within the communities of Serua and Namosi. The future of sporting events in the region appears bright, with this event setting a positive precedent for community engagement and sportsmanship.