One of the very many things that unite Fijians and New Zealanders alike is the love for sports.

These were the sentiments shared by the New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr while speaking at a reception on Rugby for Change.

The New Zealand High Commission in partnership with the University of the South Pacific has brought in sevens great Waisale Serevi and former All Black sevens player Rocky Khan to participate in the rugby themed “Diversity in Sports” event.

He says that the role that sports plays is not just for exercise and entertainment but it builds healthy societies and fosters healthy well-being adding it is for everyone not just the sporting elite.

Curr also highlighted that there is no question that sports is at the heart of Fiji and New Zealand’s identity adding that sports brings people together and should be celebrated.

Fiji sevens Legend Waisale Serevi says that through the Diversity in Sports event he hopes to break barriers and stereotypes and increase understanding that gender equality, cultural diversity and disability inclusion is something that should be celebrated not only in Rugby but in sports in general.

Former All Black sevens player Rocky Khan hopes that his story of being the first player of Indian and Rotuman descent to represent New Zealand 7s will help break barriers.

Meanwhile, the University of the South Pacific’s School of Social Sciences will be hosting a public seminar on Rugby for Change: Celebrating Diversity with Waisale Serevi at 4.30pm tody.

The Seminar will see other prominent speakers such as Rocky Khan, Lailanie Burnes, Paula Ranatawake and Manasa Narita.