A MILESTONE achievement was celebrated today on Malolo Island with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Malolo Rugby Union (MRU) and the Malolo Island Resort & Spa, witnessed by the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), the Tui Lawa Ratu Iliesa Neitauniyalo, and the traditional leaders of the Vanua o Lawa.

The agreement formalises a five year partnership between the Resort and the Rugby Union, aimed at supporting grassroots rugby, youth empowerment, and community development in Malolo.

This initiative was facilitated by the Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance (VITA), marking the first official Sports Tourism program undertaken by the Alliance. VITA confirmed that this model will now be adopted nationwide, bridging partnerships between resorts, resource owners, and sporting organisations to deliver long-term community and national benefits.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sitiveni Leseitoga Nawaqa, president of VITA, described the MOA as a historic moment of cooperation: "This MOA represents more than words on paper. It is a partnership

built on trust and respect, between our resource owners, our sporting community, and our resort partners who continue to invest in the Vanua.

"We will continue to replicate this model across Fiji, reconnecting sports and tourism, creating opportunities for our youth, and strengthening the Vanua. This project is also about drug awareness and protecting our young people, giving them hope and a future through rugby. May God bless this work and bless everyone involved."

The signing was also blessed and endorsed by the Momo Levu Tui Lawa, alongside the Turaga ni Yavusa and Mataqali leaders of Vanua o Lawa, reflecting the importance of traditional authority in guiding partnerships for the benefit of the people.

The Fiji Rugby Union welcomed the agreement, noting that grassroots development is the foundation of Fiji's global rugby success.