Photo: South Island Pasifika & Sports Association Facebook / Abraham Atherton. Retrieved from tpplus.co.nz
A total of 84 teams from youth to adult grades took part in the annual Pacific Series rugby league tournament at Burnside Park in Christchurch.
The whole community brought out their flags and vibrant colours and smiles as they proudly represented their teams and home nations. South Island Pasifika and Sports Association chair Iosua Tauti says the tournament was an opportunity for the community to connect.
“Our theme this year was “I belong” and the idea is we want to connect as many people as possible to their culture,” says Iosua.
“It is a chance to unite families and communities through sport to celebrate their heritage and cultural identity. This community-driven event instils a sense of pride in the local Pacific community and is always competitive, fun, and family-centric.”
Cultural values and practises were not only shown on the field but also off it. There were key focuses implied to determine team awards throughout the players participating in the event.