01 Dec 2025

Finding Purpose Through Vanua, Youth, and Sport: My Reflection on the 2025 Wairiki 7s & Bua Youth Games

Categories:Fiji Life Community Work Reflections

Last week, I found myself standing on the grounds of Wairiki Village for the 2025 Wairiki 7s Tournament and Bua Youth Games — an event proudly organised by the Fiji National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Youth & Sports. It was a day powered by young people, for young people. Everywhere I looked, there was movement, laughter, sweat, and spirit. But beneath it all, for me, was something much deeper — a quiet realisation that I am exactly where I need to be.

This journey, in many ways, has felt like a dream. Leadership was never something I woke up one day claiming; instead, it has been a slow unfolding. I’m learning that leading a team or an organisation takes effort every single day. But once you build genuine trust and relationships with the people around you, everything begins to align naturally. Things fall into place the way God intended them to.

Coming back home to Namalata after the Games, my body was tired, but my heart felt full. I realized how everything in my life — youth work, community engagement, leadership development, traditional responsibilities — is slowly finding its rhythm.

The Journey Before the Journey

To be honest, before leaving for Wairiki, I wasn’t feeling the “game vibes” at all. I had just returned from family commitments and major meetings in Vatani, Kaba, Tailevu — the NEC and Provincial Youth Forum sessions attended by all provincial youth presidents. It was a lot. My energy tank was running low.

But when I reached Namalata, the youths of Kubulau and Uluinasuva welcomed me with something unexpected: “Everything has been paid for. All we need is your presence.”

That alone reminded me why I do this work — for the next generation, for the spaces being built, for the future we want to see. We also had a major sponsor supporting us, which made it even more meaningful. I knew I had to show up, even if I felt drained.

We gathered at Dovi and Cabe’s home in Navasua, where warm chicken soup and tavioka were waiting for the team. The place was buzzing with different energies — excitement, nerves, pride, uncertainty. I didn’t prepare any speech or message for the youths, and that was a learning moment for me. Opportunities to speak and lead come suddenly, and I’m learning to rise and respond confidently when they do.

Still, I kept a smile on, reminding myself of my mission observe, learn, soak in the experience, and speak only when needed.

The Welcome of Wairiki

Our arrival in Wairiki set the tone for the whole journey. The TNK of Wairiki and the elders received us with full vanua protocol — sevusevu, words of welcome, and blessings. There is something about traditional ceremonies that grounds you instantly. It reminds you that you are not just representing yourself; you carry a whole community, a history, and a name.

We went straight into our first debrief and dinner preparation. And even though it was my first time being involved in this level of organisation, I felt strangely at home. It was as if God had prepared this moment long before I ever walked into it.

I am especially grateful for Rusi (R. Carlos) — whose vision, belief, and financial support made this trip possible. His willingness to invest in our youths, in our Vanua, and in our future is something I deeply honour. People like him help carry the bigger vision.

The Games: Pride, Sweat, and Heart

The Bua Youth Games was filled with energy and emotion. Congratulations once again to:

🏉 Black Heron of Makolei Village — winners of the Rugby 7s Final

🏐 Team Kubulau Women’s Netball Squad — for proudly bringing home the shield

But beyond the games, there was something even more important happening: the preserving of culture, identity, and traditional protocol.

Before the tournament, Team Kubulau performed our vanua protocol in Navave Village and again in Wairiki. After the competition, we also followed the farewell protocols. These rituals connect us back to our roots, reminding us of who we are and where we come from.

Why Protocol Matters: A Lesson for the Youth

Most people don’t know that historically, Bua Province had only three districts: Bua, Vuya, and Wainunu.

Kubulau belonged under the District of Vuya, even though we are located near the Savusavu Bay border of Cakaudrove. Because of this connection, whenever Kubulau attends provincial ceremonies or sports events in Nabouwalu, we must present ourselves to the Gone Turaga na Tui Vuya. It is our duty, our respect, our identity.

For the youths who travelled with us, this was a powerful lesson: Never forget your roots. Never forget your Vanua.

We thank the Tui Vuya for receiving Team Kubulau and releasing us in the proper way.

Acknowledgements from the Heart

Vinaka vakalevu to everyone who made this journey possible:
Fiji National Sports Commission
Ministry of Youth & Sports
All teams who travelled long distances to compete
Our elders, families, and supporters
Hosts from Wairiki and Navave
Bua College Principal, Master Isireli Koroituku
Anna Sawai of Nabouwalu
Temo Cakacaka for logistical support
Cabenasau Teau, Tupeni Were, Atelina Siganiyavi
Kubulau leaders Tu Luke and Tu Vuki
And every young person who showed heart, discipline, and pride

Before returning home, Team Kubulau performed the final tatau to the Gone Turaga na Tui Kubulau, ensuring all obligations were completed properly. These traditions are what keep our identity alive — and we pass them on so the next generations can learn.