Commission Empowers Youths Through Sports
The Fiji National Sports Commission (FNSC) started their communal youth outreach in sports following their “Train the Trainer” programme in Lami, yesterday.
The two-day tournament attracted 16 men’s teams, 10 women and 10 Under-14 girls’ teams from 10 communities in the Lami area.
These include communities from Delainavesi, Nadonumai, Qauia, Suvavou, Lami Koro, Lami Town, Naivikinikini, Waigasa, Kalekana and Namuka-i-Lau. Commission development officer Eastern Josaia Tuinamata said this was a way of keeping youths occupied as it enables them to stay away from any sort of criminal activities. “We thought sports would be a tool that could be used to eradicate crime and combat Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) as well,” he said.
Tuinamata added that the response they received was overwhelming and indicated the effectiveness of their programmes. “We had a full ground when we had our pool games it showed the positive impact sports can have in our local communities.” However, he confirmed, that they would be carrying out development programmes for other sports as well as they progressed into the year. “We’ll be doing another community volleyball outreach in February and then we’ll be organising a canoe outrigger regatta event later on in the year in Lami.”
He added that they aim to carry out their programmes all throughout the year.