Nawaka 7s Helping Keep Fiji Clean, Healthy

In partnership with sponsor Par­adise Beverages Fiji, Mission Fiji, the Nawaka Rugby Club is valuing the importance of our nat­ural environment.

This will be the theme for the 32nd Fiji Bitter Nawaka Sevens which was launched at Nawaka Village, Nadi on Wednesday night.

Paradise Beverages Fiji general manager sales/corporate affairs Joe Rodan Senior said over the years this is an investment in the form of community development, combating non communicable dis­eases (NCDs) and creating a green­er Fiji.

“We are proud to be associated with Nawaka Rugby for the last 32 years. Our association has been growing stronger just because of the way the organisers are running the tournament,” he said.

“This year is plastic free tourna­ment, which is in line with what the Government is trying to do. For us it is not only about sponsoring rugby but rugby as a whole. We are working to make our nation healthi­er and cleaner environment.”

Paradise Beverages Fiji general manager sales/ corporate affairs Joe Rodan Snr with youths during the launch at Nawaka village in Nadi on February 20, 2019. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

“People love to be associated with 7s as it also created employment. A lot of players that came through the sevens have made it to overseas contract earning about $200, 000 and $250, 000 per year.”

He added former 7s skipper Ser­emaia Tuwai was a product of the Marist Rugby after being brought to light by one of their staff Nem­ani Tukania. Others include sevens wizard Waisale Serevi.

Newly elected president of the Nawaka Rugby Club Eparama Sailo said; “We are thankful to Paradise Beverages Fiji for coming once again for the 32nd time and for giv­ing us and the platform to show the players talent.”

“This year’s tournament will be different comparisons to the other years. We have open up diversity and more women but there is not much participation so we will look out for women to participate.

“It is the first time to partner with Paradise Beverages and Mission Fiji in promoting the sustainability theme- Valuing our natural envi­ronment.

A total of 64 men’s teams will com­pete for a $15,000 prize-money. The oldies, women and Under 20 winner will collect $2000 respectively.

Other sponsors include FMF, Voda­fone, Coastal Rental Cars, RES, Fiji TV, and BSP.

The tournament is set for March 15-16 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.

- Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj