Duavata Through Sports

The Say No To Drugs Police Blues, Safer Communities Together Police White and Stop Violence against Women and Children Women’s 7s Rugby teams through the Duavata Community Policing through Sports initiative participates in local tournaments with the purpose of creating awareness on issues impacting the safety and security of our communities.

Yesterday the Fiji Police 7s Management headed by the Director Human Resources Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Meli Sateki handed over trophies won by the Police Blue, Police White and Women’s teams from local 7s tournaments.

The participation of Police teams in rugby and other sports is aimed at increasing awareness on safety issues affecting communities.

Teams prior to the tournament conduct awareness sessions with participating teams as well as communities near to where the tournaments are held.

Both teams advocate on issues such as Saying No to Drugs , Safer Community Together and Stop Violence Against Women and Children.

During the Namalata 7s, the Police 7s teams played with the main effort of creating awareness on the dangers of the illicit drug trade noting the concerns on drug cultivation in Kadavu.

Both teams were not only able to strengthen police and community partnerships, but with increased trust and confidence shown towards Police following the community outreach programs conducted in Kadavu prior to the tournament, information was forthcoming on those involved in the illegal cultivation of marijuana.

The Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho acknowledged the Management and teams efforts in building relations between the Police and communities through rugby.

The head of the Fiji Police Force said the Fiji Police 7s winnings has gone towards funding other team sports, strengthening the organisation’s intent building relations with communities as sports is a renowned platform used to combat and reduce crime.

The Commissioner of Police also congratulated the officers who have been selected for national duties, with four officers selected into the Fiji team, a proud achievement for the organization.

With two tournaments left before the end of the season, the Fiji Police 7s teams will intensify their advocacy work to promote safety and security in particular challenging areas on Drugs, Violence Against Women & Children, Transnational Crime and reducing recidivism to name a few.

The Commissioner of Police has also acknowledged the support of sponsors Axellerate Sports. Police have won 8 of the 12 Fiji Bitter Sponsored 7s Tournament and the 4 Legs of the FRU 7s.