$10m plus allocation shows role sports can play in nation building

The 2019/20 National Budget has been announced and for the first time, more than $10 million has been allocated towards national sporting activities.

The Voreqe Bainimarama led-Government has recognised sports as a pillar of nation building and development, which contributes to a physically and mentally fit nation.

It is an important national activity with significant economic benefits of job creation, income and the remittances industry which rakes in an average $18.4m a year.

Sports unite our nation like nothing else and are a vital tool in bridging the ethnic divide.

We saw that in the aftermath of our 7s team’s 2016 Rio Olympic gold medal win and again last week when the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team claimed the 2018/19 World Sevens Series.

On both occasions, Fijians of all age-groups, religious backgrounds and ethnicities celebrated the team’s achievements with the collective unity of one nation.

In addition, the United Nations values sports as a tool that promotes social integration and fosters tolerance among diverse societies, which in turn reduces the likelihood of violence and improves dialogue. Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum in announcing the Budget on Friday night indicated the following breakdowns:

$650,000: to the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians for the Rugby World Cup in Japan in September; $2.1m: to 7s rugby (men and women); $4.1m: for overseas tours;

$970,465: to the Fiji National Sports Council for the development of sports; and

$3.1m: OFC Under-23 Olympic qualifiers, 2019 Oceania Surfing Games and 2019 International Netball Series

The funding will be a definite boost to sporting federations in the country. But with so much public funds now going to sports, the importance of accountability and good governance within sporting administration cannot be understated.

We need qualified people with the right business acumen leading federations to ensure funds are used effectively with appropriate checks and balances and monitoring.

This is to ensure that sports and athletes reap the maximum benefits, which is the Government’s overarching goal.

The media also has an important role in this process. Journalists must ensure sports administrations get enough scrutiny to preserve the accountability process.

The Fiji National Sports Commission must also ensure that the funds are channelled down for grassroots development and that the so-called minor sports also have a share in the growth.

Increasing the participation of women in sports should also be at the top of the agenda.

No one should be left behind.

Good things lie ahead for our nation in the sporting arena.