Three days of fast, exciting rugby at the Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s are the result of months of work that most fans never see.
Behind the scenes of the northern tournament is organiser Vika Vataniyaragi, whose journey into running the Labasa 7s began not with sponsorship deals or full bank accounts, but with BBQ grills and a balance of just $200.
Vataniyaragi joined the organising committee ahead of the third Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s, after being approached by the board to assist with finances and management.
“When I came in, there was totally no fund.
“After hosting the first two Labasa 7s, there was only $200 left in the bank account.”
Despite the financial reality, Vataniyaragi said the situation did not break the spirit of the team.
“That did not loosen our hope. We believed we could still do better from nothing.”
With limited options, the organisers turned to community fundraising. Five families, made up of five couples, came together and decided to start from the ground up.
“We started with selling barbecue,” she said.
Three days a week Thursday, Friday and Saturday the group held workathons, cooking and selling food to slowly rebuild the tournament’s finances.
The fundraising effort was supported by a strong social message.
“Our theme was Say No To Drugs, and the police really supported us,” Vataniyaragi added.
The Police Band provided entertainment during the workathon, helping attract crowds and boost fundraising. The money raised from BBQ sales, combined with team registration fees and sponsorship, was enough to kick-start the third Labasa 7s.
“At the end of that tournament, we were able to save money again.
“The account became healthy, and that money is what we are now using for our expenses in this fourth Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s.”
Vataniyaragi said the journey has not been easy, but teamwork played a crucial role in the tournament’s turnaround.
“Nothing is impossible if we work as a team.
“We made changes. We changed our tournament director, our committee, and our executives. Teamwork was our strength.”
She also acknowledged the support of KVT, whose advice helped guide the organisers through difficult decisions.
“They supported us with sound advice that helped us become what we are today.”
While the rugby takes centre stage over three days, Vataniyaragi said the tournament has a much bigger purpose. The long-term objective is to build a hall and a gym for the community.
“We have been negotiating to secure a piece of land.
“After this tournament, we will try to buy land, and then our next step will be construction.”
She said the organisers will continue fundraising and seek assistance from other government departments and ministries through grants to support the project.
“It will not be easy, but we are determined. It can be done.”
Challenges remain, including limited employment among committee members, changes to by-laws, and rising costs for referees and medical teams.
“Those costs are beyond our control, but we have to pay. It’s a must,” she said.
Vataniyaragi also expressed her gratitude to tournament sponsor Fiji Bitter, whose continued support provided reassurance during uncertain times.
“When we were told last year that Fiji Bitter was cutting down on sponsorships, we were worried,” she said.
“But when I received the email saying we were one of the six tournaments sponsored this year, I was so happy.”
Her message was one of thanks.
“We thank Fiji Bitter for coming on board again, and we thank God for this great opportunity.”
From selling BBQ to managing one of the North’s major rugby events, Vataniyaragi’s story reflects the determination, sacrifice and teamwork that continue to keep the Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s alive.
Vika Vataniyaragi at her home in Labasa. Picture: Anasilini Natoga
