Melanesians to Make Presentation at Commonwealth Meeting

The Melanesian Spearhead Group’s Sports committee will be making a presentation at the 10th Commonwealth Sports Ministers meeting in Birmingham, United Kingdom on July 27.

Minister for Youth and Sports Parveen Kumar Bala revealed this during the MSG Sports Ministers’ Meeting (SMM2) held at Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi yesterday.

The MSG includes Fiji, FLNKS, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea.

“The Pacific shall be represented in unison while delivering the presentation,” Bala said.

“We have to make sure we have enough muscle and ammunition with us for that; these deliberations provide us a sound platform to make sure our voices are heard and our needs met,” he said.

“It is imperative that we share our concerns, best practices and learning experiences that can assist propel sports in our countries.

He added that the Pacific islanders know and are best placed to be part of such important meetings.

“We must show to the world that Pacific Islanders are sports loving people who are being led by competent and able leaders, who can promote and grow our national and regional sporting capacity and capabilities.”

Bala added in the open and robust manner in the true tradition of the Pacific way, ministers will continue to deliberate and discuss ways forward for the common sporting aims and aspirations.

“It is important that we realise the increasing importance of sports in our regional agenda.

“Sports have traditionally brought the people of the Pacific together. We have a common tradition of passion and competition, often well beyond what is expected of us.

“Sports are increasingly becoming an economic powerhouse, apart from our sporting prowess, and have a great impact on our daily lives.

“Many families depend on remittances and investment from their sporting stars.

“This is an area poised for growth in the professional arena. Pacific Islanders including Maoris make up more than 46 per cent of the total playing staff in the Australian NRL, and are poised to grow beyond the 50 per cent mark in the next few seasons,” he added.

Meanwhile, the weeklong event also marks the 8th MSG Sports Committee meeting.

Photo: Waisea Nasokia Minister for Youth and Sports Parveen Bala (sitting fifth from left) with regional Sports Ministers and Sports Committee members at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi.