Mr Isireli Dausiga presenting the referees’ jerseys to the President of the Marist Ruby Club Mr Bill Mar.


Referees at the world’s biggest rugby sevens tournament the Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens will be knitted in gear that will promote the Fiji Prisons and Corrections Service’s flagship programme the Yellow Ribbon Project.

Receiving the jerseys that the referees will be outfitted in this weekend, the President of the Marist Rugby Club Mr Bill Mar said the club fully supports the Yellow Ribbon Project.

“The Marist Rugby Club fully supports the principles and ideals behind the Yellow Ribbon Project and is happy to be associated with the Fiji Prisons and Correctional Service.”

Yellow Ribbon Project Coordinator Mr Isireli Dausiga who presented the referees’ kit on behalf of the Fiji Prisons and Corrections Service (FPCS) said the FPCS are proud to be associated with the Marist club and sevens rugby.

“When the FPCS was approached to be part of the biggest sevens tournament in the world, we were only too happy, because sports is another way to promote the Yellow Ribbon Project.”

Mr Dausiga also said that the FPCS was also thankful for the support by United Apparel who co-sponsored.

FPCS Public Relations Officer Fred Elbourne said that the association with the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s is another innovative way to create awareness of giving ex-offenders a second chance.

“We are always looking at new and innovative approaches to promote acceptance of ex-offenders back into the community.

“FPCS is using rugby as a means to inspire community action to support the rehabilitation and integration of ex-offenders.”

Elbourne said not only will the referees be wearing uniforms with the Yellow Ribbon Project emblem, but four inmates and other former inmates that were trained how to ref will be blowing the whistle during the tourney.

“We have a referee training programme at our Nasinu Reformative Centre under the tutelage of Mr Frank Bouvient and some of the graduates from this programme will be officiating this weekend.”



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