Wairiki 7s Going Ahead: Gade
The 15th Fiji Bitter Wairiki Sevens tournament is still going ahead on December 15-17 in Taveuni.
This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by tournament chief organiser, Ioane Gade, after sealing the deal with Paradise Beverages at Walu Bay in Suva.
Gade said they were aware that the country’s General Elections was on December 14 and teams like Police Blue would not be participating.
“We’ve a number of options,” he added as they are expecting 1800 athletes.
Gade said for the first time they were increasing the prizemoney to $10,000 for the winning team. Also, a feature of this year’s tournament is the introduction of a football competition.
Paradise Beverages general manager sales and corporate affairs Joe Rodan said supporting such tournaments was part of the company’s strategic plan.
“It’s about sharing our profits with the people of Fiji,” he said.
Rodan also highlighted that supporting a number of sporting tournaments in the country was one way of assisting Government’s initiative of getting people vaccinated.
“All players and officials in a tournament must get vaccinated if they are to participate,” he said.
Rodan says, their support for the Wairiki tournament helps boost the economy of Taveuni and improvement of infrastructure.
“The Wairiki ground now has floodlights as games could be played into the night,” he added.
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