New Sports Facility Helps Fight NCDs
The $250,000 multi-purpose sports facility in Davuilevu is a worthy investment in the health and well-being of the communities. This was the gist of Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s message while opening the facility at the Reverend Cargill ground yesterday. “This mark another milestone in my Government’s campaign to encourage healthy lifestyles among the Fijian people,” Bainimarama said.
“While Fiji is doing well in so many ways, while we are knocking down barriers to opportunity, laying the foundation for even great prosperity and leading the global campaign against climate change, our society is currently faced with a severe crisis of health– those many lives being cut short by noncommunicable diseases. And the prevalence of these life-threatening illnesses is something my Government is not prepared to tolerate. “When we don’t use our God-given talents and ability, when we fail to keep ourselves moving and don’t pay attention to what we are eating, we all put ourselves at-risk.” Bainimarama said towards the end of last year, he had the chance to deliver a national statement to the European Commission on Sport Diplomacy.
“I told them what I will tell you all again today, that we in Fiji are witness to a startling paradox. “That while we are looked to around the world as a sporting powerhouse, a small nation whose athletes again and again find success on the international stage, we suffer one of the highest rates of non-communicable diseases in the world.
“Preventable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease take more lives in Fiji than any other cause. “Good health is something we need to consistently work toward and we all need to adopt the mentality FIJI SUN | that it is our own discipline and drive that will stave off these deadly diseases. “That is why my Government is so committed to expanding access and improving the quality of sporting facilities throughout our islands. We are investing in sports at the grassroots level, in parks, courts and sporting facilities such as the one being opened today.” TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017 | FIJISUN.COM.FJ Bainimarama said the new facility is going to become a tremendous source of joy and energy for the communities. “I can speak to that from my own experience, as next to my office I get to see Fijians from all walks of life enjoying the newly renovated grounds at Albert Park. Since its opening, every day you can find the grounds full of people exercising | PAGE | SPORT and keeping themselves fit.” The Prime Minister urged the communities to make good use of the facility. “Use it to be proactive about your own health and encourage everyone in your communities to also take full advantage.” Edited by Leone Cabenatabua