Paradise Beverages is giving more clubs cash prizes during the Fiji Bitter Sevens series to help them keep participating.

This will help clubs pay for registration and other expenses for future tournaments.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, the company sponsorship and events specialist Alfio Tekavei said, they are aware of late registration by clubs especially for back-to-back tournaments.

“It has been an ongoing issue over the years,” Tekavei said.

“Most of these clubs are from the grassroots and they have to fundraise to pay for their spots.”

He highlighted that most of these teams don’t have funds readily available, which is why they register late and even some don’t turn up on game day.

“Some clubs travel from outer islands just to participate. From the expenses they incur they look for ways to cover it up.”

Tekavei said they have taken steps to assist these clubs who face financial issues.

“If you notice now, you’ll see prizes given right to the plate semi-finallists and that covers a lot of teams. The series is now organised in such a way that most clubs win something to take back.

“The Marist sevens tournament has set the platform and we are looking to expand it.

“From our (company) side, we are just the sponsors and we leave everything to the (tournament) organisers,” he said.

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