Elite Fijian referee James Bolabiu and his international counterpart Rasta Rasivhenge took some time out ahead of the 2014 Bayley’s Coral Coast 7s tournament this weekend to visit three primary schools in Deuba yesterday.

Bolabiu shared the overwhelming experience he and the renowned South African had visiting the schools.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for us to give back something to the students. We saw how much it meant to the students when we came to see them and receiving the donations we’d brought.

“This is very important because these are the future sportspeople of the country and it was good to see how interested they were in knowing more about the sport and hearing what Rasta and I had to share with them.

“We saw that many of the students were really motivated by our presence and  that was a positive sign.”

Bolabiu revealed that Rasivhenge was overwhelmed by the warm reception and world-renowned Fijian hospitality he received.

“We were pleasantly surprised when we came to the schools and they had prepared items to entertain us and give us a really good welcoming reception. Rasta was very overwhelmed by the welcome he received from the students.

‘He shared that he had never experienced such an overwhelming response when he visited other countries and he was really touched by the recognition and the warmth and hospitality of the Fijian people.

“He also took the opportunity to talk with the students and give them some advice about pursuing a full education as he was a former school teacher.”

Bolabiu and Rasivhenge visited Waiqanake District School, Deuba District School and Naboro Primary School yesterday, handing out rugby balls and sports uniforms.

Feedback:  eroni.tuinaceva@fijisun.com.fj