From Fiji Times Online (7 October 2016)

Wests aims Rotuma Day Sports title

By Maciu Malo

WESTERN teams will be out to try and wrest the six trophies won by the three Suva teams last year in the Rotuma Sports Day

The events starts in Lautoka tomorrow.

Fiji Rotuma Sports Council president Paul Kafonsaka says the Westerns teams are expected to come out strongly this year after failing to win a title in Suva last year.

He said the Western teams would have the advantage of be playing on their home turf.

The six teams to feature this year are Vatukoula, Lautoka, Nadi and the three Suva teams are Ra'ease, Sarafui and Satarua.

Ra'ease is the defending champion for the men's volleyball, women's volleyball and touch rugby while Sarafui took out the netball title and Satarua won the rugby 15s trophy.

Apart from these teams, an Australian rugby side will be also part of this year's event.

Kafonsaka said the Westerns teams would be a force to reckon this season.

"We are expecting tough competitions in all sports and it will be interesting to see the Western teams challenge the three Suva teams," he said.

"Western players are expected to be much stronger this year and they will be out to give the Suva teams good competition.

"All teams are preparing well for the sports festival.

Kafonsaka said the event would also be an opportune time for all Rotumans to meet and socialise.

"Most of us haven't seen some of our relatives in years and this is a good time to meet and reunite."

"Such event also introduces us to meet some relatives we haven't met and we are looking forward to the games."

He said the annual event had been going on for more than 60 years. The games will be held at Churchill Park ground number two and the Lautoka multi-purpose court.