Sports Day marked
The Ministry of Youth and Sports led by Minister Parveen Bala plus the Fiji National Sports Commissionwould like to wish all Fijians, in particular our sports people, a happy International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. Permanent Secretary for Sports Jone Maritino Nemani said this is an international movement that began in 2013.
It is currently continuing around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2015–2030, driven by international organisations such as UNESCO.
Nemani said often located in an international development context, organisations and associations use sport as a vehicle to reach several social and humanitarian missions for example; education, social cohesion, health, reintegration, diplomacy, and peace.
However, Nemani, who is a former national football star defender, also reiterated the importance of staying fit and embracing healthy living at this time. due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ADHERE TO HEALTH ADVISORY
“Whilst we are mindful of our obligations to help our government and the people of Fiji to stay safe and adhere to health advisory,” Nemani said.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports is also mindful of reaching out to all citizens advocating well-being and stay fit.
“Sports is a powerful vehicle to unite the people, a lever for integration or social reintegration in developing countries and helps build and strengthen relationships between people and countries.”
Nemani reminded everyone the words of the late South African leader Nelson Mandela who said: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does”
Nemani urged every citizen to; “Be safe, be considerate, be obedient, be respectful and practice social distancing.”