The Drua Foundation and the Reddy Foundation are set to launch a groundbreaking rugby initiative in Vanua Levu this coming December. This novel program aims to bridge remote communities through the sport of rugby, simultaneously propelling education and health-related endeavors in the region.
From December 2 to 4, the Drua Foundation will host a three-day training camp in Labasa, marking its first major engagement in the area. Supported by the Reddy Foundation, the event will provide local players, coaches, and officials the opportunity to learn from top-tier trainers. Moreover, this program will offer crucial training in safeguarding and financial literacy, with the finance component spearheaded by ANZ. Damodar Event Cinemas is also contributing their support to this initiative.
Participants will have the opportunity to earn three World Rugby Level 1 qualifications: First Aid, Introduction to Coaching, and Strength and Conditioning for Children. These certifications aim to empower individuals capable of leading rugby programs within their communities.
Rohit Reddy, Managing Director of the Reddy Foundation, emphasized that the partnership extends beyond the realm of sports: “This collaboration introduces opportunities to communities that have historically lacked them. Rugby will serve as a conduit for fostering education, resilience, and constructive values.”
Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans reiterated the significance of the collaboration, describing it as “an important and impactful project,” and emphasized rugby’s role in fortifying community bonds.
Building on the Drua Foundation’s previous collaborations with entities like the New Zealand Government, this program is part of a broader strategic vision to leverage rugby as a tool for social development in Fiji. Previous initiatives have included extensive training workshops and tournaments aimed at increasing participation among untapped demographics, such as women and youth in remote locales.
This latest initiative by the Drua Foundation and the Reddy Foundation underlines the long-term commitment to enhancing rugby’s role in nurturing not only athletes but educating communities about health and sustainability. By focusing on inclusivity and outreach, these programs are poised to foster future generations’ engagement with rugby and promote broader social cohesion across various Fijian communities.
Such efforts are a hopeful step towards realizing the potential of sports as a unifying force, inspiring both athletic excellence and personal growth across Fiji. Through these collective measures, the Fijian youth and their communities can look forward to a more united and prosperous future.