The hype about former national sevens coach Ben Ryan being a son of the province of Serua has generated a lot of interest and resulted in the inaugural Island Chill Serua 7s tournament which kicks off 10am today at Thomson Park in Navua.

And answering to the organizing committee’s call for the much needed sponsorship to run such a tournament is Carpenters Waters (Fiji) Limited and Island Chill with a $7500 sponsorship that will see the Cup winner returned home $3000 richer.

Carpenters Waters (Fiji) Limited Factor Manager Moses Hicks said they were honoured to be part of the two-day event.

“Island Chill, a refreshing splash of life is about wellness & healthy living. In the next two days there would be a feast of sporting activity with 32 teams competing,” Hicks said.

“We believe the $10,000 sponsorship would go along way not only for the people of Serua but for Fiji and the larger rugby community,” he said.

“We also like to thank the committee and organisers for giving us this opportunity to be part of something that contributes to the wellness and healthy living of the youth of Fiji.”

As the teams assemble and compete and display their skills and sportsmanship on the field, he said, who knows, the tournament might discover the next Waisale Serevi or Osea Kolinisau.

Opposition parliamentarian and Islands Chill Serua  rugby committee president Mikaele Leawere said the main aim of the tournament was to tap into the unknown talents of the youth of Serua.

“Great names like the legendary Severo Koroduadua, Etuate Honda Gusuivalu, Kele and Mika Leawere, Waisea Nayacalevu who all come from Serua were once giants of the national team are living better lives through rugby,” Leawere said.

Island Chill Rugby 7s tournament organiser Ilimo Vudiniabola said the crowd can look forward to a grand tournament with teams like Army Red and Green, Ratu Filise team of Namatakula, Waimaro of Naitasiri who will be among the favourites for the two- day tournament.

Edited by Osea Bola

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