Sports help to keep population healthy and productive
Health is a prerequisite to any form of development at all levels. A healthy body and a sound mind are essential in ensuring that development projects are implemented successfully.
Outdoor and indoor activities like sports help keep the body in shape and the mind alert and ticking. Sports promotes team building and unity and builds character. It is a melting ground where people from a diversity of backgrounds come together to enjoy an event.
It transcends politics, ethnicity, economic status, cultural identities and religious persuasions. It is a great leveller, where people from all walks of life can sit side by side and enjoy sports.
It is not only confined to competitive sport but also social sport. People have been encouraged to be engaged in outdoor activities to help them keep physically fit.
It is also encouraging to note that the Minister for Youth and Sports, Laisenia Tuitubou, is working on new initiatives that will harness collaborations between Government departments and institutions that will drive sports as a tool for healthy living and nation building.
The ministry is talking to the Police about a proposal to use Police posts to revive sports in areas that need help.’ Talks are also happening with the Ministry of Education and Fiji Swimming about strengthening sports development at grassroots level. The ministry must be commended for implementing projects that will benefit many young and old alike. Sport keeps people away from negative thoughts and actions. Physical education, an important component of education in schools, is being reinforced to provide our young people with wholesome training and development. Those who have excelled professionally in sport have been financially rewarded. For the majority, social sport is the most popular form of recreation.
People play for fun and keep fit. That’s the ultimate goal. It keeps them away from sickness and the doctor. It reduces our health bill and strain on families.
Overall it contributes to a healthy, productive and vibrant population.
We have well-trained and qualified Customs officers at the port of entries who are clamping down hard on currency smuggling.
Sitiveni Qiliho
Police Commissioner Brigadier-General