Over 650 primary school students participated in the one-day Get Into Rugby (GIR) Plus Rugby Festival at Buckhurst Park in Suva, held under splendid sunny conditions. This year’s festival was a refreshing change from last year’s event, which was cut short by torrential rain, depriving children of the chance to fully engage in their matches. The favorable weather this year allowed young athletes to demonstrate their skills in tag rugby, sparking healthy competition and drawing cheers from supportive parents and guardians.
Noame Rabeni, the GIR Plus support officer, expressed appreciation for the ideal weather, attributing it to the collective hopes and prayers of players and coaches. He highlighted the significance of the event for the young participants and acknowledged the critical role parents play in its success, emphasizing their unwavering support.
The festival served not only as a platform for athletic expression but also as an opportunity to instill essential values through rugby, emphasizing camaraderie and inclusivity among the participants. In line with past events, such as the GIR Plus Festival at Bidesi Park in Laucala Bay, the emphasis has shifted from stressing about competition to nurturing community spirit and recognizing every individual’s effort. Trophies were awarded to all schools participating in earlier festivals, ensuring every participant felt appreciated, regardless of weather setbacks.
Additionally, the GIR Plus program stands as a crucial avenue for character development, blending sportsmanship with vital life skills. Coaches teach foundational values—discipline, respect, integrity, passion, and solidarity—forming the acronym DRIPS. This approach illustrates how rugby can be a valuable tool for imparting critical ethical principles to younger athletes.
These initiatives are instrumental in fostering well-rounded individuals and contribute to a future where sports promote mutual respect and deepen community ties. Rabeni’s recognition of family support combined with the success of the festival presents a hopeful outlook for the ongoing development of youth through sports, highlighting the vital role communities play in nurturing the next generation of athletes.