University Releases 29 Trainee Physios For Marist 7s
The Fiji National University will deploy 29 trainee physiotherapists to the 43rd Fiji Bitter Marist 7s on March 22-23 at Suva’s ANZ Stadium.
The announcement was made by the dean of FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Dr William May yesterday.
Dr May said FNU’s partnership with the tournament organisers gave its students the valuable opportunity to gain practical experience, as well as promote a physically active lifestyle.
The Marist 7s organisers say 82 teams have registered to participate at the tournament this year, comprising nearly 1600 players and more than 200 matches.
The university has been supplying trainee physiotherapists to the tournament since 2011, in a partnership that seeks to “raise the safety compliance profile” of the event.
Dr May said the students will also use the tournament as a platform to advocate for the importance of exercise in tackling non-communicable diseases.
Close to 80 per cent of deaths in Fiji are caused by an NCD and those numbers are increasing, according to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
“NCDs are a national issue and any ways that help fight this issue, we as a medical institute, are ready to support,” Dr May said.
Marist Rugby Club president Lawrence Tikaram thanked FNU for its continued support and its contribution to the development of rugby.
“Player welfare and safety has been the cornerstone of success for the Marist Rugby Club, and we take it very seriously,” Tikaram said.
He also urged the students to make full use of the opportunity to work with some of top 7s teams in the country.
“This is the perfect platform for you (students) to demonstrate the importance of sports science in the wider development of sports,” he added.
Edited by Osea Bola
Feedback: sheldon.chanel@fijisun.com.fj
