Confirmed: 7s Stars For Ucunipotu
The people of Vanua Levu will have the opportunity to watch our rugby 7s stars like Seremaia Tuwai, Vatemo Ravouvou and Paula Dranisinukula play during the Ucunipotu Sevens tournament at Subrail Park, Labasa on October 12-13.
This was after tournament chairman Oveti Laladidi confirmed at the Vodafone Fiji headquarters in Suva yesterday that the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team will be among the 32 teams vying for the $5000 prize-money.
“The tournament will be held together with the Vunikodi Day,” he said.
“The funds collected from the Vunikodi Day and the sevens tournament will assist us in rebuilding our church after it was destroyed by Cyclone Ami in 2003.”
Laladidi said apart from that their other target is to help in the development of rugby in the North.
“Having the Fiji sevens team is a big boost to the Vanua Levu teams as the players are able to rub shoulders not only with the country but the world’s best sevens players.”
He called on the people of Vanua Levu to come out in big numbers not only to support the tournament but to watch the national sevens players in action.
“Also, I’m inviting teams around the country to come forward and register for the tournament.
“We’ve reduced to registration fee from $500 to $300 and we’ve got lucrative prizes to give away as well.”
The North has been renowned for producing some of the country’s top 7s players like Tevita Rabuli, Josefa Rauto, Dominiko Manaseitava, Semi Talawadua, Timoci Wainiqolo, Jope Tuikabe, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, William Ryder, Tomasi Mawi, Peni Rokodiva Jnr, Semi Radradra, Apisai Naiyabo, Ilai Tinai, Benito Masilevu, Savenaca Rawaca, Tuwai and the list goes on.
Meanwhile, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) has become the tournament’s media partner.
“FBC is proud to be the tournament’s exclusive partner in radio and TV as we’ll as to promote the event and provide the PA system for the two days.
“This is part of our partnership with Vodafone in covering grassroots sports,” said FBC TV representative Jamie Toro.
Similar sentiment was echoed by Vodafone Fiji sponsorship manager Adriu Vakarau indicating that they have other tournaments lined-up in their bid to help rural communities.
Edited by Osea Bola
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