Investment in sporting facilities shows returns
THERE has been an investment of $77 million into sporting development in Fiji in the last decade, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
The Head of Government highlighted this while opening the Community Sports Association conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva recently.
Speaking to members of the Government, the Fiji National Commission, sports leaders and athletes, Prime Minister Bainimarama said such conferences helped create dialogues on how to develop different sports, maximise performance, and how to involve more people in athletics.
He said this goes together with investment in infrastructure.
“We’ve also built parks and gymnasiums, invested in worldclass coaching talent, and sent our athletes to compete around the world as proud ambassadors for Fiji,” Prime Minister Bainimarama added.
“More than 10 years on, we’ve all seen how those investments have steadily paid off. Today, the FSC is a household name. It has helped lift hundreds of athletes from community pitches to the highest stages in the world. And our athletes and coaches have done the rest.”
Recounting Fiji’s accolades, Prime Minister Bainimarama said with three Gold medals; two in sevens rugby at the Summer Olympics and one in the Paralympics, a bronze medal for the Fijiana and three world 7s series titles was a good return on this investment.
“We’ve lifted, punched, swam, and ran our way to big wins in the South Pacific Games, Oceania Championships, And Commonwealth games. We’ve hosted tournaments in everything from chess, hockey and
table tennis, to karate, yachting, swimming and volleyball. Sports like boxing, netball, soccer and cricket are on the rise in popularity,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said.
“We are breaking the bias around women’s participation in sports –– empowering girls
to pursue athletics, not only as a passion but as a rewarding career, and more than ten years on, we’ve all seen how those investments have steadily paid off.”
“Supported by their Government, our athletes have delivered moments that none of us will ever forget,’ he added.
Prime Minister Bainimarama advised the participants of the conference to seek more ways to make young girls and women feel welcome in their athletic pursuits and think about how to create opportunities for athletes looking to make the move from competitor to coach.