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THE Coral Coast 7s tournament is set to become one the greatest 7s tournaments in the world, says chairman Jay Whyte.

One year after its inception, the tournament has attracted top 7s teams, players and coaches to battle for the lucrative top prizemoney of $30,000.

Whyte said the vision of this tournament was to reinforce itself on the Fiji sporting calendar and to become one of the biggest 7s festival in the world.

He said Fiji was renowned for grooming world class 7s players and would be the ideal destination to host international 7s tournaments.

"The vision of the tournament is to become one of the greatest 7s tournaments in the world, as 7s rugby owes a huge amount of its popularity to the Fijian national side and the manner which these teams play at the game," said Whyte.

"The idea first came about from the region's desire to have a truly world class sporting event based here in the beautiful Coral Coast.

"We believe that there is such great niche market available for sporting tourism and a great combination of 7s rugby played in the spiritual home of 7s .

He said the 7s dream became a reality with the support of some faithful organisations and hotels in sponsoring the event.

"The biggest challenge has been the securing of sponsors but with the tremendous support of the major resorts in this region and other organisations we have managed to host the tournament."

"The only expectation is for the people of Fiji to come out and show why they love seeing the very best Fiji has to offer against the very best that these overseas teams are bringing to Fiji.

"The tournament will offer the best managed, the best quality and the most professional 7s tournament seen in the Islands.

"We are also happy to advise that the best player will be awarded the Campese Serevi medal sponsored by the Sigatoka River Safari which will be presented by the two 7s legends after the final."

Whyte has expressed his invitation to all citizens to turn out in huge numbers and witness this world class event.

"There will also be lots of giveaways for spectators who share in the spirit and the support their teams by wearing their colours."

Whyte said 24 teams had confirmed their participation with lucrative prizes on offer.

The I-Wau (main) winner will walk away with $30,000, $10,500 for the runner-up, $3750 for the semi-finalists, $3000 for the Tanoa (Plate winner), $1350 for the Tanoa runner-up, $1200 for the Davui (Bowl) winner, $750 for the Davui runner-up, $600 for the Lase winner and $375 for the Lase runner-up.

The major sponsors are Shangri-LA's Fijian Resort and Spa, Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, Fiji Hideaway, The Naviti Resort, Warwick Fiji Resort and Spa.

Other sponsors include support from Digicel, Sigatoka River Safari, Air Pacific, Tappoos, Pacific Destination, Coastal Rentals, Sigatoka Electric, ANZ Bank, Signs Solution, Brand Serevi, Formscaff, X-Blades and media partners The Fiji Times, Fiji TV and Viti FM.

The tournament will be held at Lawaqa Park on November 18 and 19..