Fiji US Rugby 7s Fans Await Reps

Fiji Sun - 10 February 2010

Money, geographical location and time are but of little concern for the Fijian community in the United States. They are preparing to make their way to the home of one of the world’s entertainment city, Las Vegas to meet up and cheer for the Digicel Fiji 7s gladiators in the US leg of the IRB 7s Series this weekend. As the saying goes, ‘Sports conquers all’, it is not only the indigenous Fijians who are eagerly awaiting the event but the Chinese, Indian and Islanders who have ties to Fiji have submitted their contribution to be part of the trip. Buses and mini vans have been organized to transport the Fijian community with their luggage which consists largely of costumes, banners, flags and t-shirts bearing the Fiji flag. To Redwood City resident and Ono-I-Lau native Ateca Cavu-Barini, the wait is almost over. For the proud Fijian, to support her home country and cheer them to another win in Las Vegas is her ultimate goal - a chance she would not miss for the world. Speaking from her home which is 25 minutes drive from San Francisco and a 10-hour drive by bus from Las Vegas, Cavu-Barini said preparation and plans for the trip begun last year. “The wait is almost over. Everyone is very excited and talking about the trip and cannot wait to be there,” said Cavu-Barini. “This is our home team and they deserve the best. We want to make sure the boys and the team management gets the maximum support they can possibly get during their stay. We want to make them feel as comfortable as possible to ensure they do not feel alienated here. This is our duty to Fiji.” “After the Wellington win, everyone is very excited to go. Transportation has been arranged via bus and plane. And we have costumes, flags, banners and T-Shirts which have been printed to be taken down to the games venue. The majority of the Fijian community resides in and around the Great Bay Area so it has been possible to keep in touch. I know for a fact that there are also busloads of supporters to come from the other areas in the States. Everyone is really looking forward to this. We will leave here Friday morning and arrive in the early hours of Saturday.” Communication within the Fijian community she said has been made possible via the social website, Facebook and Matavuvale.com.