PM OPENS NEW-LOOK
VODAFONE ARENA IN SUVA
The renovated Vodafone Arena signifies another sporting achievement, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. He made the comment yesterday after reopening the sporting complex at Laucala Bay, Suva. Bainimarama said Fiji did not share the advantages of bigger and richer countries.
But that never stopped Fiji from fielding some of the world’s greatest athletes.
“And it is Fijians like Seremaia ‘Jerry’ Tuwai, who was named World Rugby 7s Player of the Year on Sunday, earned our nation a proud and enduring international reputation for sporting excellence,” he said.
Not long ago, he said, the success of Fijian athletes came despite chronic under-investment of sporting infrastructure, equipment and capacities.
He said Fiji’s athletes were competing and winning on some of the world’s grandest stages.
However, when they landed back in Fiji, it was right back to using the same worn-out equipment and competing in the same small shabby venues. As a result Fiji missed out on countless opportunities to bring large scale sporting events to our shores. Many Fijian athletes missed out on the chance to compete under a global spotlight.
As of yesterday he said every Fijian could be proud to add another stellar venue to Fiji’s world class roster of sporting facilities – a bigger and better Vodafone Arena. The Prime Minister wished the Fiji Airways Fijiana, the Fijian Deaf Team and the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s men’s team the very best for the remainder of the Oceania 7s tournament.
“Play hard, play well and show the world the greatness Fijian athletes can achieve.”
Meanwhile the Fiji Sports Council (FSC) chief executive officer (CEO) Litiana Loabuka said the extension comprised one full sized netball court of 907 square meters, on the side nearest the Damodar City Aquatic Centre and a 571 square meters court, on the ticket both side of Vodafone arena. This adds another 1478 square meters to the original 2042 square meter Vodafone Arena. As well as the permanent seating for 2,350 patrons, new retractable bleachers cater for an additional seating area for more than 3000 people with the original and extended floor area combined.
She said to ensure the longevity of the Sports Council’s properties; they had a property management team. Before the opening, there was the signing of the renewal of naming rights by Vodafone Fiji for another three years.
As well as the permanent seating for 2,350 patrons, new retractable bleachers cater for an additional seating area for more than 3000 people with the original and extended floor area combined.