A young volleyball player is encouraging youths to find their purpose, set their own goals and take part in activities they enjoy to help keep them away from drugs and other negative influences.
Marica Saukuru, who is representing Grassroots Spikers at the Hibiscus 70th Anniversary Under-19 Volleyball Tournament, says young people can sometimes turn to drugs because of peer pressure, neglect at home, the pressure to fit in and a loss of identity.
Sakuru says when young people do not know who they are or where they belong, they may look for acceptance in the wrong places.
She believes programmes and activities based around things young people enjoy, such as sports, can help keep them occupied and provide them with positive opportunities.
Saukuru says volleyball can give young people a space to let go of their problems, feel free and simply enjoy the moment.
She says organising more tournaments, awareness programmes and activities for young people could help steer them away from drugs and other harmful activities.
The Grassroots Spikers are made up of players from different clubs within the Suva Association.
While preparing for the tournament, Saukuru says the team faced challenges such as transport issues and bringing everyone together, as players also had their own problems at home.
However, she says the players encouraged and supported one another.
Saukuru says their goal is to win the Hibiscus 70th Anniversary Under-19 Volleyball Tournament and show young people that they are never too young to achieve their goals.
She is also encouraging young people to find their purpose, focus on themselves and set goals for their future instead of spending their time loitering around their communities.
The Grassroots Spikers lost 11-6 to the Bulldogs in their first pool match of the Hibiscus 70th Anniversary Under-19 Volleyball Tournament.
