The bond between Fiji Rugby and WOWS Kids Fiji continues to demonstrate the power of sport to uplift communities and bring hope to those facing life’s toughest battles.
The relationship dates back to 2023 when the Fiji Water Flying Fijians launched the “London to Bordeaux” Cardio Challenge ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France. Covering a combined distance of 1,560 kilometres from London to the team’s base camp in Bordeaux, players and management each completed 30 kilometres to raise funds and awareness for WOWS Kids Fiji.
The initiative was spearheaded by General Manager HPU Naca Cawanibuka during the team’s recovery period following five demanding Test matches.
While several charitable organisations were considered, the decision to support WOWS Kids was driven by the charity’s vital work supporting children living with cancer and their families.
That partnership continued recently when five WOWS Kids children and their parents spent time with the SportsWorld Fijian Under-20 side following training at Albert Park in Suva.
The children shared lunch with the national representatives, creating special memories away from hospital appointments and treatment schedules.
Addressing the young players, WOWS Kids Fiji Operational Manager Mere Lutuciri-Williams shared the inspiring story behind the organisation’s name, “Walk On Walk Strong.”
She highlighted that the movement was inspired by a courageous 15-year-old girl from Tonga who battled cancer and encouraged her family to continue helping other children after her passing.
Lutuciri-Williams reminded the players that they are role models whose influence extends beyond the rugby field.
“You talk about courage in rugby, but these children display a different kind of courage every single day,” she told the squad.
“They face challenges most people will never experience, yet they continue to smile and inspire those around them.”
She also thanked Fiji Rugby for providing opportunities that bring happiness and hope to children undergoing treatment, saying the simple act of spending time with the players created moments that families would cherish forever.
The engagement reinforced Fiji Rugby’s commitment to using the game as a force for good, reminding players that representing Fiji is about more than winning matches—it is also about inspiring and serving communities across the country.