NATIONAL 7s rugby coach Ben Ryan will this evening (Friday) launch the 39th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s at the new Onyx Platinum Bar in Suva.
The launch, six months out from the main event, signifies the countdown and work cut out out for the organisers who once again will rise to the occasion to provide the catalyst for Ben Ryan’s and Fiji’s Road to Rio.
Marist Rugby Club President Lawrence Tikaram and chairman of the tournament organising committee said the theme next year is still on Rio -“ Grass roots for Rio “ .
“And it’s all about raw talent from grassroots rugby with a flavour of National engagement intertwined with our event,” Mr Tikaram said.
“Having Ben Ryan come to launch the occasion for us as we countdown with just over 102 days before we kick off , means a lot to us ,as we have the person who is challenged to deliver our National Goals and who will set the platform right and the tone for Rio come 2016.”
Mr Tikaram adds that once again the MARIST Rugby Club in association with the Marist Old Boys stands dignified and ready to launch Fiji Biggest 7S event which is not an easy feat and once again the organising committee has been working as early as this May to put the pieces together to launch our event at Fijis Premier Club Onyx Platinum tomorrow night at 5.45pm .
“The history of our sponsorship with Fiji Bitter is a proud one that boasts a string of past President’s and their committees working with just one major Brand “Fiji Bitter “ for the last 39 years. We are deeply grateful once again for their unwavering support for such an event that brings out the best for local grassroots club rugby.”
Mr Tikaram,Mr Tony Scanlan and Joe Rodan Snr from Paradise Beverages will go down in the history books of people with vision and a high level of commitment carrying on the foresight of Mr George Reade 39 years ago in making possible passionate sponsorships to develop 7s in our country and have set the tone for many more years to come. Our relationship is one that grows stronger as it gets better each year , working hand in glove with our major sponsor Fiji Bitter ..
The Marist Rugby Club with its standing working committee of just under 60 former old scholars including their wives and MOB family/ friends/ supporters including a team of over 200 dedicated volunteers , will once again rise to the occasion to deliver what we do best and which is only achievable through our organisational capability of volunteers ,that is embedded with Pride and Passion ,commitment as the hall mark of our volunteer work for our Club, our Marist Brand and the sport we all love so much 7s Rugby .
This event is supported by over 40 associate volunteer sponsors and I use the word volunteer , because not only do they assist in-kind and human resources provisions but they actually get involved with us to assist us in executing the tournament and so for now we need to thank them for their unwavering support over the past years as well .
Associate Volunteer partners in our past tournaments have being Communication Fiji Limited, Pacific Energy, Coca Cola Amatil Fiji , Powerade ,Fiji Military ,Fiji Police Ricoh Fiji TV ,Williams & Gosling ,Shipping Services ,COMTECH ,Quality Print ,Digicel ,Creative Design , Go advertising ,Fiji Fish ,SMB ,Pacific Destinations ,FIJI AIR , FIJI LINK ,Fiji School of Medicine ,Skaff Works ,Jacks OF Fiji ,JR WHITE ,Wishbone , Jojis Rest , Fiji Sun ,Chicken Express ,Fire and Ice Central Cuisine ,Fiji Water ,Cafe Victoria ,ONXY Platinum Club , Wreck tangles Night Club, Lami Kava ,Fiji Rugby Referees ,ANZ Bank ,Auditors Naiveli and Associates, Frances Tents , Fiji Sun Koro Sun Resort , Fiji Sports Council ,Fresh Et and the Fiji Media who have been so kind in working with us all these years sharing our dreams and aspirations to have the best represent Fiji and continually develop 7s in the country.
“We are indeed grateful for their support they have provided for us over the past years.”
Having our focus on Rio brings us to the forefront for wanting to do what’s best for our Nation in 7s , so working with Fiji Rugby Union and Fijis super coach “Ben Ryan” speaks volumes of how all of us want Fiji to win Gold at Rio for our Men’s and Women’s Team. The Fiji Bitter Marist 7s serves as the platform for many young and budding stars to claim a stake for the highest order in representing our county. Last year’s find of the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s tournament “Jerry Tuwai” a seasoned player from the Marist Rugby Club is just another good example of how we have exposed and given an opportunity for someone to take it to the next level . If we can make a difference then we have succeededed.
The organisers are urging all clubs to look out for registration dates as only 78 teams (Men’s and Women’s ) will be accommodated as they continue their countdown to Rio and the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s scheduled for March 6TH and 7th 2015 at ANZ Stadium.
For more information contact Jone Kalouniviti
Mobile: (679) 7836822/ 9345 944
e-mail: jkalouniviti@gmail.com
skype: jk-one2eight
MEDIA RELEASE.