Ha’apai
(Prepared by Dr Viliami Uasike Latu: Tournament Coordinator)
A). Background
Rugby is
This call reached the Navei Incorporated, a not-for-profit development organization registered in
This tournament is to be largely coordinated by Navei Incorporated, and especially looking to network assistance and finding fund amongst other responsibilities. Cash prizes and trophies were awarded to the 4 best teams from both Senior A and Senior B on October 6th 2007, the final day of the tournament.
B). Aim
The tournament initiative was geared towards the revival of rugby, the national sport, in this remote part of
It has been noticed that when young people get bored because of lack of social activities, they are vulnerable to criminal activities. The rugby tournament is aimed at combating criminal activities caused by boredom and lack of good constructive social activities.
Another major objective is to enable the exposure of rugby talents from this remote part of
C). Duration of the Tournament
The tournament ran for 6 weeks; from the 3rd September, 2007, culminating in the finals - Saturday 6th October, 2007 at Le’aetohi Park, Pangai Ha’apai.
D). Local Involvement
The Navei Development Board through the assistance of its Chairman Mr Tevita Vaikona in early August initiated the establishment of a committee consisting of local residents in the Ha’apai Group. This would be an Orgainsing Committee to run and oversee the tournament with the assistance of the Navei Inc coordinator - Dr Viliami Latu.
The committee was elected as follows:
Chairman: Mr. Manuele Mo’ale
Secretary/Treasurer: Mr. Viliami Fakahua
Technical Officer: Taufu’i Tohi
Advisor: ‘Osaiasi Latu (MP Ha’apai Group)
Assistant Advisor: Mr. Moimoi Fakahua
E). Teams
11 teams registered for the Ha’apai Navei Rugby Tournament. This includes 4 teams for Senior A and 7 teams for Senior B. The registration fees were $100 for Senior A and $50 for Senior B.
Senior A1. Hihifo
2. Pangai/Navea
3. Koulo/Holopeka
4. Faleloa
Senior B
1. 'Uiha
2. Hihifo
3. Felemea
4. Ha’ato’u
5. Fotua
6. Lotofoa
7. Taufa’ahau
F). Awards & Prizes
| Senior A | ||
| 1st. Faleloa | $1,000 | |
2nd. Hihifo | $700 | |
| 3rd. Pangai | $500 | |
| 4th. Koulo & Holopeka | $100 | |
Total Prize Senior A | $2,300 |
| Senior B | ||
| 1st. Taufa'ahau | $700 | |
| 2nd. Fotua | $500 | |
| 3rd. Ha'ato'u | $300 | |
| 4th. Lotofoa | $100 | |
Total Prize Senior B | $1,600 |
G). Other Expenses & miscellaneous
| Ground preparation | $400 | |
| Refree Fees | $300 | |
| Entertainment & equipment | $400 | |
| Stationery & publications | $300 | |
| Snacks & hosting provisions | $150 | |
Miscellaneous | $200 | |
Transportation; Ordinary expenses - $300 2 return air tickets for final live broadcasters - $800 | $1,100 | |
| Extra-ordinary expenses: Navei coordinators travel - $800 Accommodation - $200 | $1,000 | |
| Total | $3,850 |
Summary of Cash Out-flows
| Tournament Cash Prizes | $3,900 | |
| Expenses & miscellaneous | $3,850 | |
| Total Spending | $7,750 |
H). Income Generated
Short note:
The idea of getting involved, and intiating projects in the local communities is to help empower people and so to make a transformational impact. Navei Inc, with the personal backing of Tevita Vaikona (Chairperson), set themselves as the fall-back security for this rugby tournament project. But essentially Navei Inc works to bring people together, to get involve through providing sponsorship, providing man-power, intellectual skills, or any other resources that may be needed.
| Rgistration Fees | $750 | |
| Total Income from Donors Totalled | $1,500 | |
| Viliami Afeaki (Juliana Hair Saloon) | ||
| Asco Motors | ||
| Vaitohi Enterprises | ||
| Airline Tonga/Teta Tours | ||
| Rising Sun Tours | ||
| Westpac Bank of Tonga | ||
| Tonga Development Bank | ||
| Lumiere Electrical Company Limited | ||
| Lolopaongo Cleaning Services |
| |
| Cash generated | $2,150 |
Although Navei Inc provided the difference of $5,600 (7,750-2,150) to make up the total amount needed for the tournament operational costs, it is very satisfying to see individual and local businesses contributing financially. We must not forget the downturn of Tonga economy as result of the recent political turmoils, particularly the riot in November, 2006 that affected so many businesses in the country.
I). Other Contributors
Tonga Rugby Union Board (TRU)
Request for assistance was forwarded to the Tonga Rugby Board which they kindly accepted and
* organised technical assistance and other equipment.
* by sending the TRU community development officer & refree advisor
* provide top level refrees for semi-final and final
* provide match balls to be used throughout the tournament.
Macquarie Bank, Australia & 'Inoke Afeaki (France)
Through 'Inoke Afeaki - one of Tonga's most famous rugby player - Macquarie Bank Australia donated 10 training ruby balls for registered teams to use in their training. Not only that, but the said organisation's representative showed great support and enthusiasm towards the tournament.
Personal Observation
Positive Impact
The Navei Ha'apai Rugby Tournament was a success. This was a great achievement on behalf of the Navei Board, particularly stepping in to revive the national sport through initiating the rugby tournament in Ha'apai where there has been no organised rugby activities for several years.
I can say that people from different corners of the Ha'apai Islands Group were mobilized into participating in the tournament, whether through little tasks in their village teams or tracking to Lea'aetohi Park to watch games, or making time to listen to the broadcast on radio.
I cannot say enough about the effect that a sporting activity such as this has on young people. It help make them feel supported and valued. It provide not just young people but locals too, something meaningful to be involved in. It also strengthened relationships, such as that of youths and older generations.
Looking into the Future
From the reactions and responses I gathered throughout the tournament, I am left in no doubt that such community-type projects have very positive impact in the community.
There is a massive demand from the locals to develop and to keep rugby tournaments going. The prominent figures of the Ha’apai Island Group such as the Ha'apai MPs, the head of government departments in Ha’apai, the town-officers, and youth leaders all emphasised that it is important to keep initiating this type of projects which have huge positive influence on young people.
It is vital Navei Inc seek to keep running rugby tournaments in remote places of Tonga such as Ha'apai Group in the future. Navei Inc has a 3 year plan in place for rugby development, which is set for review after this pilot sport project - Ha'apai Rugby Tournament.
Navei Inc would very much want to encourage groups and organisations, businesses, churches and any individuals to partnered with us.
* Special Congratulations
The Tournament Organizing Committee in Ha’apai (listed above) has been asked by the Tonga Ministry of Tourism to organize a Rugby Tournament as part of the Ha’apai Tourism Week, set to commence second week of December, 2007. This is great news which is a just reward for the good job that has resulted from this project.