In a transformative turn of events for unemployed youths of Kinoya in Nasinu, the realisation of a dream unfolded as the Government generously provided them with a new set of gym equipment.
This promising development was the result of a commitment made by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to the Kinoya Sea Eagles rugby league team, a pledge that came to fruition earlier this year at a service held in Kinoya Methodist Church.
The substantial donation, totaling $17,463 in value, came from SportsWorld, and it was a beacon of hope for the 35-member Kinoya Sea Eagles team. Josaia Burerua, the marketing officer of the Kinoya Sea Eagles and president of the Kingston Youth Club, expressed the significance of this contribution.
Burerua shed light on the team’s history, tracing its roots back to 2012.
Despite their commendable efforts over the years, the team had faced a significant hurdle in the form of the absence of proper gym equipment.
“The Kinoya Rugby league club is basically the Kinoya Sea Eagles, they started back in 2012,” shared Burerua.
“They have not had formal equipment in terms of gym equipment.”
The lack of proper equipment had posed challenges for the team, especially during the FNRL Eastern Zone competition this year.
Most of the players fall within the age range of 17 to 20, highlighting the team’s youthful composition. Burerua acknowledged the struggles faced by the players in previous competitions, citing injuries as a persistent issue due to the limited availability of weights.
“All their training was based on calisthenics; they never had any proper gym session the whole of this year,” he revealed.
“So for us, it’s the long term, the building up of the players’ physical stamina, endurance, and if they have what it takes, they can have a career and a long-lasting one.”
The official handover of the gym equipment was officiated by Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo, who emphasized the importance of responsible ownership.
Vosarogo urged the players to consider the equipment as their most prized possession and take diligent care of it.
His words resonated as a reminder that this equipment was not just a means to enhance their athletic performance but an investment in their future well-being.
