The Joy behind Fiji’s Smile

Sport has an important role to play in the efforts to improve the lives of people around the world as it helps to build bridges between individuals and across different communities. Here in Fiji, rugby is one sport that provides a platform for development, reconciliation, peace and joy.

Joy behind Fiji’s Smile

Rugby union is a game for all shapes and sizes with one common purpose – try to outscore the opponent. It may be best associated with full-contact play, but there are other versions of the sport which are just as fun and fast-paced.

With Get into Rugby (GIR), most of these kids who cannot play contact rugby can still enjoy the sport. Participants learn basic rugby skills but in a fun way without contact.

Last Saturday, the FRU Development team introduced GIR to WOWs Kids (FIJI) which brought a lot of laughter and joy to these young kids. WOWs is a registered Charitable Trust that assist children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Despite the heavy weather conditions, these young kids braved the rain to learn and play rugby.

Women’s Development Officer Vela Naucukidi said that the greatest impact of running the programme with WOWS Kids was the inclusive atmosphere it helped to create.

“We used this as an opportunity to celebrate and enjoy what we had in common rather than our differences,” Ms Naucukidi said.

It also bring together friends who both love rugby but cannot play together in a team.

Lagilagi Lockington a year 7 student at Marist Primary, brought along his two friends from school to join him on the day. Lockington was operated for brain tumor last year and his conditions has limited him from playing a sport that he loved. Saturday he said, was fun and he enjoyed it very much.

“Today is the best day of my life, I get to play rugby with my best friends,” Lockington said.

“I learned more about rugby, get to know my friends and actually play in the rain was fun.”

WOWs Kids Team Leader and Resource Centre Manager Fanny Fiteli said the kids were always excited and looking forward to their monthly programme.

“The rugby programme was something different and fun for the kids,” she said. “Even though the weather was wet, they still want to go out to the rain and play.

She also wants to continue the partnership with FRU and hoping that all their partner (special schools) will join in next time when they have rugby.

Ms Naucukidi said like many activities, the skills that apply to rugby such as communication, following instructions, being creative and problem solving can be applied to situations in a classroom, in the playground, at home or in the street

“For many young children, rugby is an activity that captures the imagination and brings joy and happiness to their life. For this reason we hope to use the sport to engage with the individuals and help them learn in a way that other subjects and situations cannot.

Saturday was amazing, she said. They may have increased the numbers of participants for GIR but the real success was measured by the impact it had on those young kids that took part.

Rugby is the reason they smiled.