From Fiji Times Online (19 October 2017)

Games to boost youths

By Pravin Narain

ROTUMA Games official Freddy Atalifo says the aim is to get more youths involved in sports.

The games of 15s rugby, touch rugby, volleyball and netball will start today at the Laucala Bay Sports Complex in Suva.

"The venues have been secured for the competitions and everyone is looking forward to the competition," he said.

"There are five clubs who would be competing in the competition from all around Fiji which includes three clubs from Suva and one from Nadi and the other one from Lautoka.

"All the clubs have teams in rugby, netball, volleyball and touch rugby."

The 15s rugby competition will be played at Buckhurst Ground while Bidesi Ground will host the touch rugby. The volleyball and netball games will be played at the ANZ Stadium car park in Suva.

"The primary aim is to get the tournament committee together through sports and sporting competitions are also a key factor where we have some former national reps competing in the tournament," Atalifio said.

"Rugby, netball and volleyball are the traditional sports, but recently, we have encouraged more participation through touch rugby which forms a key part of the competition and it is very popular with the younger generation.

"There are also discussions on how we can incorporate the minor sports like hockey, swimming and weight-lifting.

"Following the same principle the subsequent council will slowly pick up and extend the games as and when resources allow," Atalifo said.