Celebrating diversity through rugby

Sevens rugby maestro Waisale Serevi and NZ 7s rugby sensation Rocky Khan (garlanded) with the Fiji Deaf Rugby Union. Picture: USP Communications 

By WANSOLWARA STAFF

RUGBY has the potential to change lives and in a country like Fiji, the sport can literally bring the nation to a standstill. For rugby 7s maestro Waisale Serevi, rugby does not discriminate or divide but instead contributes to the holistic development of those who partake in the sport.

Serevi delved into the issue of inclusive rugby during the Rugby for Change – Celebrating Diversity seminar at the USP Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies in Suva yesterday. His words of encouragement garnered cheers from more than 100 people who turned up to listen to the motivational speaker. Serevi was chief guest at the event alongside New Zealand All Blacks 7s fly-half, Rocky Khan.

“The theme Rugby for Change – Celebrating Diversity should cover a wide scope of discussion. It should be properly approached as such just as the game of rugby has evolved and grown since 1823,” Serevi said.

“Religion divides people. Politics divides people. Race divides people but sports, I believe, brings people together. Rugby for Change is about celebrating diversity with everyone – former rugby greats, management, staff, prospects and die-hard supporters.

Rugby 7s superstar Waisale Serevi shares a light moment with Rocky Khan at the USP Oceania Centre. Picture: MIRIAMA NAIKATINI (WANSOLWARA STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHER)

“We can make the change and we can use this platform to educate and empower men and women to express their passion and commitment through rugby. We can all become agents of change in our society, communities and nation if we commit ourselves collectively through rugby and whatever spheres and influences in society that we are in.”

Serevi also commended women rugby players and the Fiji Barbarians deaf rugby team who recently won bronze at the World Deaf Rugby 7s tournament in Australia, beating Japan 28-12 to take third place behind England and champion Wales.

The event was organised by the Faculty of Arts, Law and Education’s (FALE) School of Social Sciences (SOSS) in partnership with the Fiji Association of the Deaf and the New Zealand High Commission.

Speaking on behalf of FALE Dean Dr Akanisi Kedrayate, Associate Dean Planning and Quality Dr Yoko Kanemasu said a similar seminar was organised in 2016 titled ‘Rugby, Rio and Serevi: The Pride of the Nation’ and it was their first partnership with Serevi.

In 2013, SOSS and FALE also hosted the Fiji Rugby Centenary Conference. This, according to Dr Kanemasu, was their first partnership with the NZ High Commission.

“(Yesterday’s) event brought us together again – USP, Mr Serevi and the NZ High Commission, as well as women’s rugby players we have been working closely with for a number of years. We are very pleased that it also created a new partnership with the Fiji Association of the Deaf and the Fiji Deaf Rugby Union,” Dr Kanemasu said.

“Mr Serevi kindly agreed to be our ambassador of gender equality, cultural diversity, and disability inclusion in rugby, sport and society. The event promotes women’s rugby, disability rugby, and rugby for everyone. We are excited that this year, Mr Serevi is joined by Mr Rocky Khan. We are truly privileged to have these two rugby legends with us to celebrate diversity.”

Quoting WorldRugby.org, Serevi said there were more than 6.6 million players across 120 countries participating in rugby on a regular basis over the years.

For the king of sevens, the sport of rugby has taken him to 51 countries around the world and opened doors of opportunities.