34 sports submit protocols for a safe return
THE Fiji National Sports Commission (FNSC) has confirmed receiving submissions from 34 national sports organisations’ protocols for a safe return to sports.
Executive chairman Peter Mazey said a number of NSOs had been fully certified to resume contact sports albeit under stringent guidelines.
“So far 28 NSOs have already been certified,” Mazey said.
“We received submissions of protocols from 34 NSOs so far, of which six are being verified before they are given the certification. It’s still work in progress for some, however, there has been a tremendous response from a majority of the NSOs.”
He said five NSOs remained to submit their protocols for certifications, however, they had categorically advised the FNSC that they were working tirelessly on it.
Mazey said there was not any deadline for submissions, but reiterated the urgency for the remaining NSOs to submit their respective protocols before any competitive sports events they wished to hold could proceed.
“While it’s great to achieve the milestone of reaching more than 80 per cent of fully vaccinated individuals, we are looking forward to those in the 12-17 age groups following suit so that every athlete will feel that much safer.
“We had to find new ways to stay fit, stay entertained and above all stay safe prior to the easing of most sports restrictions on Sunday by the Prime Minister.
“As we emerge from the lockdown, every sport organisation must adapt, not only to keep staff, athletes and fans safe, but to survive in this new normal.
“Everyone must realise that there are still some rigid restrictions and protocols with the most important being getting both jabs of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to participate in any sports or recreational activities in future.
“We find ourselves in an unprecedented situation because the pandemic has changed every aspect of our lives in the way we work, rest and play.”
Mazey said the FNSC continued to work with all NSOs to ensure their respective safe sports protocols were in place.