Sevens stars Ilai Tinai, Lepani Botia and Joji Ragamate take time out to pose with 
community members at Burenitu.


It was a dream come true for students of Bureiwai District School and its surrounding communities when they got to meet their stars - national sevens reps Ilai Tinai, Lepani Botia and Joji Ragamate.

The trio were part of an awareness team that opened a seven-a-side rugby fundraising tournament at the school last Saturday.

Bureiwai District School sits on the border of Tailevu and Ra and educates students of Nayavutoka, Matainananu, Delaiyadua and Naivoco.

Senior Corrections officer PCO Savenaca Baleiwai, who led the team, said the response from the crowd was amazing.

“Most of the students and members of the community got to meet their fans in person and I am sure the message they relayed was not only well-received but will not be easily forgotten,” PCO Baleiwai said.

Naitasiri man Botia urged the students to work hard and sacrifice if they are to achieve their goals in life.

He said while it was every boy’s dream to represent Fiji in the 7s arena it is certainly not easy to get there.

“It takes a lot of commitment, dedication and hard work,” he testified.

Botia urged the students that if they wanted to don the national jumper one day, there would be a lot of sacrifice needed.

“Sacrifice in the sense that you will have to leave smoking, alcohol and late nights.

“It’s not easy when there’s a lot of pressure from friends but if you have your mind set on your goal, it’s possible,” Botia said.

The trio are taking part in awareness efforts by the Fiji Corrections Servcie, in trying to deter people particularly youths from coming to prison. 

www.corrections.org.fj

Other July 2012 News