Despite facing financial and communication challenges, the Fiji's men's and women's Deaf Rugby Sevens teams are determined to make the country proud at the upcoming Deaf Rugby Sevens World Cup in Japan.
Head Coach Tevita Rokoqiqi, who has been coaching the teams since 2019, says the players have been in camp for almost a month and are ready to compete in the tournament.
Speaking to the media after the teams presented their traditional iTatau to Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru at the HFC Bank Stadium today, Rokoqiqi says funding remains one of their biggest challenges.
He says the teams have received $150,000 in government support through the Fiji Sports Commission, but more funding is needed to fully equip both the men's and women's teams.
Rokoqiqi also thanked the Fiji Rugby Union for donating rugby boots and the Australian Commission for providing clothing to the teams.
He says communication has also been a challenge, as he is not fluent in sign language and relies on interpreters to communicate with the players.
Despite these difficulties, Rokoqiqi says the teams are ready to compete and show what Deaf athletes can achieve.
He believes their participation will inspire children in the Deaf community to dream of representing Fiji one day.
Rokoqiqi recalls a recent visit to Gospel Primary School, where students were proud to meet former students who are now representing Fiji.
He is also calling for Deaf athletes to receive the same recognition and opportunities as other national representatives.
Meanwhile, Fiji's Youth Olympic team also presented its traditional iTatau to Saukuru at the HFC Bank Stadium today.
The Deaf Rugby Sevens teams and the Youth Olympic team are scheduled to depart Fiji next Monday.
The Deaf Rugby Sevens World Cup will be held from the 31st of this month to the 3rd of November.
