Sports facilities
William Gardiner, Lautoka
Fiji’s sports facilities are in dire need of upgrades, and for this new government, another investigation to announce.
The recently completed Coca-Cola Games in Suva saw a rather dilapidated track for the finals, where many students suffered injuries such as shin splints among others. As a result, substandard times were recorded because of the poor surface condition. The track at Lautoka’s Churchill Park cannot be used for the athletic finals because it is a non standard length – 300m. So, it’s a bit of a white elephant!
Why was this track ever approved for construction at this substandard length? Did a major player have a say in its construction?
It would be best to have two major sporting facilities in Viti Levu, to cater for all sports in Suva and Lautoka. And maybe, build one in the Northern Division, if funds or sponsorship can be sort.
Sports have now reached levels of great demand for rugby, football and athletics. Rugby, now features the national sides – men and women – Fiji Warriors, Fijian Drua and Fijiana Drua. The Fijiana Drua are appearing in the Super W final again.
The Fiji Rugby national competition involves the Skipper Cup and Farebrother Sullivan matches.
Football has major tournaments throughout the year – Fiji FACT, Battle of the Giants (B.O.G.), the Inter-District Championship (IDC) plus qualifiers for OFC.
Our football juniors, the Under-20s, have qualified for the World Cup playoffs, which is a major boost for our country.
Obviously, sport is a major boost to our economy, bringing in many top international sporting teams plus supporters.
Stadiums or auditorium’s for these major tournaments must be upgraded to international standards.
The recent Lautoka Stadium upgrade featured new temporary seating, with comfortable bucket seating, but the seats are under the sun or rain; there is no overhead roofing! These seats sell at a premium price but are exposed to nature!
Please, if sales have not been up to expectations from the last Drua matches in Lautoka, with prices reduced to attract more spectators, think about building a permanent roofing for these comfortable bucket seat facilities! Sales will increase two-fold.
Restrooms or toilet facilities are also a major problem at these stadiums, with long lines experienced.
These are major issues and require some upgrade to avoid the inconvenience.
This tripartite Government must think about these facilities, in conjunction with the city council, to accommodate better sports facilities for the public – in all sports.
Also, with the arrival of international visitors at venues where Fijian teams are competing, this is a must for our image can capability to host international events.