Mar calls for teamwork

AS the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and slowly returns to normalcy, Fiji Association Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) is urging sporting organisations to uphold protocols set down by Government.

FASANOC chief executive officer Lorraine Mar said teamwork was required to fast-track Fiji’s return to sports competitions.

“Hopefully as we move towards the green zone in the framework, sports that are on the program for the Pacific Mini Games and the Commonwealth Games, both being held in 2022, will be able to train in earnest,” Mar said.

“FASANOC fully respects the no jab, no play policy and our expectation for national federations is that they also strictly adhere to this policy as a measure to safeguard their members.

“Before embarking on its journey to Japan, the Team Fiji members received double vaccination. As an employer, we have implemented this countermeasure.

“As FASANOC does not own sporting facilities, it is really the responsibility of national federations to work with the Fiji National Sports Commission to update their COVID-19 protocols. I see that at least 17 national federations have been certified under the amber framework.

“We understand that these are noncontact sports that are able to at least start training.”

Mar said the best and fastest way for a national federation to reach the required criteria for safe sports was to encourage its members to receive the double dose of vaccinations.

“Most national federations also do not own their facilities and will be bound by the regulations put in place by facility owners. Players and athletes within each sport will need to observe all the required protocols on the field of play.

“FASANOC is very mindful of how important it is for all our sportspeople to be aware and conscious "safe sports" is a fragile state of mind.

"We must all play our part in encouraging vaccination among our people and ensuring protocols are always observed.”