The Fiji Deaf 7s teams are demanding the same recognition and respect afforded to any other national rugby squad.
Their victory at the Pacific Rim Deaf Rugby 7s tournament in June, was a powerful statement in their ongoing campaign for equality.
For the team, the fight for recognition has long been as demanding as any match.
They’ve faced challenges in the struggle to be seen and supported with the same respect as their other counterparts.
“Ever since I joined the team, we have been asking if they could be treated like any other national team,” head coach Tevita Rokoqiqi stated.
“That is the most important thing that we are asking for. We are already doing our part, and the victory was just a morale booster to what we want.”
The team believed in the philosophy that performance equals parity.
“I’ve been urging them to focus on doing our part. If we do our part, we will get the same equal treatment. We must win; we must perform.”
This winning mentality has been their driving force, using tournaments as an opportunity to prove their worth, their passion, and their skills.
This seemed to be the winning formular for the Fiji deaf 7s team as they are slowly getting some support.
“I think now we are getting the support that we need compared to previous years. We thank the Fiji Sports Commission and the Fiji Rugby Union for their support,” Rokoqiqi added.
The team was part of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians v Scotland Test last month, where they got to meet the crowd and be part of the action as spectators with VIP access.
Their next target now is the World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship which will be held in Tokyo, Japan next year.