From what started as a small village competition 25 years ago, the Malomalo 7s has come a long way into being a widely recognised tournament in Fiji.
While signing a sponsorship deal with FMF Foods Ltd, Malomalo 7s secretary Ratu Josateki Neimila said the competition had grown through the help of a handful of sponsors who have contributed over the years.
“The tournament first began as a small rugby competition, like a bazaar, back in our village, Malomalo, almost 25 years ago,” he said.
“From there it started to grow through the help of sponsors who were kind enough to give and develop grassroots rugby along the way.”
A cheque for $10,000 was handed to the officials of the FMF Malomalo 7s which is scheduled to be held tomorrow and Friday.
“We are calling out to all rugby fans and lovers to come to Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka to watch the games. Not only will we be having sevens rugby for the men and women, but also netball as well,” Neimila said.
A total of 32 teams have registered to take part in the men’s division, while 21 teams will be participate in the under-21 grade.
“The registrations for all the rugby teams closed yesterday (Monday). And for the women’s competition, we have 16 teams registered.”
FMF Foods Ltd group manager Maria Kumar said they were more than excited to help with the development of grassroots talent in sponsoring the tournament.
“It’s all about giving back to the community and developing the sport in rural areas. It’s through tournaments like this that are we able to discover the next generation of talented rugby players who will later go on to represent the country,” she said.
