Successful Duavata Marathon


A group of volunteers young and old have successfully completed an ambitious 5-day marathon to create awareness on anti-pornography and non-violence around Viti Levu.

The Duavata- Western Champs group based in Nadi and supported by Ever Accountable Fiji, the Western Charity Alliance the Denarau Lions Rugby (Oldies), the Axellerate Duavata Devo Babas Rugby club and the Fiji Police Force began their campaign from Namaka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Rakiraki, Nausori, Suva, Navua, Sigatoka and back to Namaka.

The Duavata Western Champs Group had initially earmarked their 4 Wellness, Non-Violence & Free Fiji from Pornography campaign in the Western Division, but decided to expand their reach as they wanted to impact more Fijians.

Western Charity Alliance Project Officer Selita Donu said, “We didn’t want to impact the Western Division only but we wanted to create an impact for the whole of Fiji to stand up for anti-pornography and to say no to violence against women and children and all forms of violence”.

“Ninety percent of those involved in this campaign are men which is great as they are often seen to be the missing link, and their participation is their show of standing up and breaking the silence and supporting voices of women and children”, Donu added.

Iliesa Fonolahi who works for one of the supporting partners Ever Accountable Fiji said, “As a member of the Denarau Lions Oldies Rugby Club he sought the support of his club members to work with the Duavata Western Champs to create awareness and educate members of the public on the hidden and devastating effects of pornography”.

Speaking on behalf of the Axellarate Devo Babas Rugby Club whose rugby players volunteered in the campaign was Solomoni Bogidrau who said their participation was to advocate the need for men to promote the protection of women and children as well as promoting wellness.

The Duavata Western Champs Group plans to hold a similar marathon in the Northern Division and in maritime islands to encourage men to support the voices of women and children facing any form of violence, to free Fiji from and promote wellness through the 5 km run in collaboration with other retired rugby players.