The Drua Foundation and Reddy Foundation are set to introduce a promising new initiative in Vanua Levu this December. Designed to empower young individuals, players, coaches, and officials, this program offers a unique opportunity to engage with expert trainers and rugby professionals. This development stems from a fresh partnership between the two foundations, unified by their goal to connect remote communities through the power of rugby.
The collaboration emphasizes a commitment to advancing the technical aspects of rugby in rural regions and leveraging the sport to support broader health and educational programs. Scheduled for a three-day period from December 2nd to 4th in Labasa, the event, supported by the Reddy Foundation and Damodar Event Cinemas, seeks to enhance the capabilities of coaches and officials in Safeguarding and Finance Literacy, with training delivered by ANZ.
Reddy Foundation Managing Director Rohit Reddy expressed that this partnership underscores the strength of collaboration. It combines the Drua Foundation’s extensive reach with their dedication to community-building, creating new opportunities where there’s been a lack. This program fosters unity through sport while promoting education, positive values, and resilience.
Participants will have access to World Rugby Level 1 courses, focusing on First Aid, Introduction to Coaching, and Strength and Conditioning for Children. The initiative is not only a significant step towards improving the structural aspects of rugby in these communities but also a testament to rugby’s potential as a unifying force and a vehicle for positive social change.
Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans highlighted the significance of the project, noting that such partnerships are crucial for strengthening communities via rugby. The completion of the program will qualify coaches and officials to implement rugby initiatives within their local communities, aiding in the sport’s grassroots development.
The new initiative in Vanua Levu mirrors previous efforts by the Drua Foundation. With support from entities like the New Zealand Government for similar programs, these initiatives consistently aim to leverage rugby as a means of fostering community development, education, and health outcomes, particularly in remote Fijian communities. These programs have the added benefit of increasing participation at the grassroots level, especially among women.
Overall, the collaborative efforts of the Drua and Reddy Foundations represent a hopeful step forward for community cohesion and youth engagement in Fiji, demonstrating how rugby can be used as a catalyst for broader social benefits and fostering a brighter future for the country’s youth.