President Konrote Applauds Cole
Over the years, Cole has returned each time with some donation, including raising over $83,000 in 2010 to help build a 40-bed dormitory for the Bucalevu Secondary School on Taveuni.
Australian Peter Cole visited Fiji in 2000 as an 18-year- old and what he saw changed his life ever since. Being a visitor and with a passion for sports, Cole was moved by Fijian children kicking empty plastic bottles around because they did not have a ball to play with. He began the organisation Spirit of Sharing (SOS) and also donates sporting gear to Vanuatu. Over the years, Cole has returned each time with some donation, including raising over $83,000 in 2010 to help build a 40 bed dormitory for the Bucalevu Secondary School on Taveuni. Yesterday he handed over 32 containers of sporting equipment which the Ministry of Education and the and also the Ministry of Youth and Sports will help distribute. Presiding over the handing over ceremony, President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote said the world and Fiji needed more people like Cole. Accompanying Cole was two of his colleagues who had worked tirelessly over the years to source donations in Australia, husband and wife William and Margaret Hamilton.
Konrote said Fiji was indeed blessed by their gesture.
“Physical activity and sports has many health benefits and applies to people of all ages,”he said. “We need to introduce healthy living habits to have a healthier na- tion.” The President expressed his appreciation for Cole and SOS. “You have come a long way from an 18-year old. The world and Fiji needs people like you.”