Kids inspire Flying Fijians 07 July, 2011

Kids from the Fiji Crippled Children's Society pose with the Flying Fijians in Sigatoka.

To realize the power and following rugby has within Fiji can sometimes be a humbling experience for players no matter how big and successful they maybe. This is something the Flying Fijians realized earlier this week after noticing a group of kids who turned up religiously each afternoon to watch them train at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. 

It wasn’t until the children approached members of the Flying Fijians to have a photo taken that it was realized the kids were in fact children with special needs being members of the Fiji Crippled Children’s Society, Sigatoka Branch. 

National coach Sam Domoni revealed they were taken aback by the enthusiasm and unwavering support the kids obviously had for the team. 

“We were just stunned they took their time each and every day to come down to the stadium and watch us train,” Domoni said. 

“They did this despite the various challenges many of them faced because of their various needs, and it’s a truly humbling experience and just makes us all feel how lucky we are that we do not face those same challenges.” 

Needless to say the children of the Fiji Crippled Children’s Society did not just get their photo, but also received a site visit from the entire Flying Fijians squad which concluded with the children singing the Flying Fijians the song “You are my sunshine and you make me happy”. 

It’s fair to say there were a number of big macho players attempting to hold back the tears after hearing the kids sing for them. Fiji fans can only hope the kids have given enough inspiration to the Flying Fijians to beat archrivals Samoa this Saturday and ensure the tears flowing, come the fulltime whistle, are tears of joy.