$4.5k boost for Nawaka rugby

Members of the Nawaka Rugby Club in Nadi have been urged to prioritise their welfare and make meaningful contributions to their village and the nation.

These were comments of Fantasy Island managing director Abbas Ali, when he handed over $4500 to the team at Nawaka Village on Monday.

“This is my gift to the sport of rugby. I know the club has produced champion teams and players who have made a name for themselves,” he said.

“These budding players should be prepared mentally and physically to continue the journey of excellence.”

Ali said sport had a limited timeline, but education must remain a priority for those still in school.

“Work hard and study so you can be independent, not rely on handouts, and support your family, village and contribute to Fiji as a nation.”

He said he had a long-standing relationship with the vanua o Nawaka, dating back to the late 1970s when the late Tui Nawaka, Ratu Meli Naevo, gave him land in Korociri to build his home.

“He was a good friend of mine. My connection with the village is not new. The current Tui Nawaka reached out to me, so this is giving back to the community,” Ali said.

Team manager Lorima Vurabere acknowledged the support, saying it would benefit the team.

“We have a team that is constantly growing and this assistance will pave a new path for this group,” he said.

“Nowadays, sponsorship is important to keep up with rugby pathways.”

Nawaka competes in the TISA Insurance Nadi Rugby Union club competition. Round three kicks off at King Charles Park in Nadi on Saturday.

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