State recognises the need to invest
THE Government recognises sports as an industry in a professionalism era with the need to invest in developing elite athletes, says Youth and Sports Ministry permanent secretary Rovereto Nayacalevu.
While speaking at the 11th Fiji National Sporting Organisation (NSO) Conference at the Harbour Point Convention Centre in Lami on Saturday, Nayacalevu said Government would also help in the development of sports, increase the level of participation and physical activity supported by coaches, technical officials and other specialists.
The participants included heads of national sporting federations.
Nayacalevu said with Government’s inclusive approach, they were reviewing the National Sports Policy to promote the participation of women and disabled persons in physical activities, and encourage the participation of all Fijians irrespective of ethnicity, gender or physical and mental ability.
“Recognising the influence and importance of sport across our Fijian society, the National Sports Policy sets out our ‘Vision for Fijian Sport in 2023’ and beyond and defines the actions we will undertake to achieve our ambitious goals,” he said.
“The annual NSO Conference provides an opportunity for all sports stakeholders to meet in a forum to review current direction and deliberate on issues relating to sports management and leadership in Fiji.
“This serves as an important role that sets the platform to enable the progressive achievement of key agenda items and put forth new ideas and recommendations for discussion that allows Government to review support mechanisms it makes available to support sports for all Fijians.”
A key agenda on at the meeting was soliciting of views on three key policy documents namely the National Sports Policy, the Fiji Anti-Doping Policy and the Fiji National Youth Policy.
Nayacalevu said the purpose of the National Youth Policy was to create conditions for learning, opportunity and experience which would enable the youth to develop knowledge, skills and competence.
“This allows young people to be actors of democracy, integrate into society and, in particular, play an active role in both civil society and the labor market.”
He added that the Anti-Doping Policy would also be reviewed with the target to protect the athlete’s right to participate in doping-free sport and thus promote health, fairness, and equality for athletes worldwide. It will also ensure harmonised, coordinated and effective anti-doping programs at the national and international levels to detect and prevent doping.