The Nawaka Rugby Club Legends are using the power of rugby to fight drug-related activities among youths and raise awareness about HIV and AIDS through a fundraising initiative at Nawaka Village in Nadi tomorrow. Club vice-president and former Fiji 15s and Sri Lanka 7s representative Apisai Nagata has called on former Nawaka, Nadi and Fiji rugby representatives to turn out in numbers and support the cause.
“On behalf of the Nawaka Legends Club, I am calling out to all the former Nawaka representatives, the entire former Nadi Rugby representatives and former Fiji Rugby legends to come and support this great cause,” Nagata said. Nagata said proceeds from the fundraising drive would go towards constructing a Nawaka Rugby Gymnasium, providing young people with a positive environment to develop their fitness, discipline and sporting abilities.
“We are doing this fundraising drive to build a gym for the Nawaka youths to get them involved in fitness training and avoid associating themselves with drug-related activities,” he said. He said the initiative was also an opportunity for former rugby players to demonstrate that their contribution to the community extended beyond the rugby field. Nagata believes the involvement of the Legends will send a strong message to the younger generation about the importance of making positive choices, staying physically and mentally fit, and embracing rugby as a pathway to greater opportunities.
“This initiative will also inspire youths to play rugby, be physically, mentally and socially fit so they can wear the national jersey one day,” he said. The Nawaka Rakavi Day fundraising drive will begin at 2pm tomorrow at Rukunirara Ground, Nawaka Village, Nadi. The call is now out for former rugby players, supporters and the wider community to unite behind a cause aimed at building a healthier, drug-free future for Nawaka’s young generation.
