Youths from across Lau gathered in Lakeba yesterday for a cricket tournament organised ahead of next week’s traditional installation of the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau, and Sau ni Vanua ko Lau.

Cricket, a sport introduced to the province by Europeans in the early 1910s, has since become a unifying activity for the people of Lau.

The event drew youth teams from various villages, each donning matching uniforms, reflecting a collective spirit and a commitment to working together.

The tournament was officially opened by Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, who will be installed as Tui Nayau, Tui Lau, and Sau ni Vanua ko Lau in ceremonies scheduled for the 8th of July in Nayau and 10th of July in Tubou, Lakeba.

In his address, Roko Ului underscored the importance of unity among the iTaukei, encouraging the youth to use sport as a tool to strengthen communal bonds.

“Let us look at Cricket as a sports not to be taken lightly. It should encourage the youths to work together, love one another and unite for the common goal. You must bring that idea to your respective villages,” he said.

Roko Ului noted that in the face of changing lifestyles and challenges, cricket offers a valuable example of how shared activities can bring communities together under common goals and values.

“We as iTaukei are challenged today, we struggle to move forward, faced with the different lifestyles we faced today,” he said.

“Cricket is a great example, as it has brought you all here, in unity, with single uniforms, nothing should be impossible for us iTaukei,” he added.