FANCA event kicks off

THE Digicel/Rams Cleaning Services sponsored Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and America (FANCA) silver jubilee Nations World Cup kicked off with a total of 19 teams participating in four divisions at Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday.

FANCA president Haji Javed Ahmed said the biennial event brought together Muslims of Fiji and their friends and family members who lived abroad.

“The FANCA Federation includes Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America which are the countries where most Fijians have migrated to,” Ahmed said.

“The FANCA Nations World Cup is held every two years in different countries, allowing all Fijians to renew friendships in a social and sporting environment.

“This year’s tournament is the biggest ever in terms of participants.”

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations and Youth and Sports Parveen Kumar, who was the chief guest, during his opening address said such an annual sporting and social event was a celebration of the diversity of Fiji, in which the Muslim community has been an integral part of since the coming of indentured labourers to Fiji in 1879.

“In Fiji, we have often referred to the phrase ‘Unity in Diversity’ to celebrate the different communities that make up Fiji as a multiracial and multi-faith nation,” Kumar said.

“No matter where our

Fijian brothers and sisters have chosen to live, and no matter what their community or religious background, Fiji will always be home to them.

“This is a statement that has been actioned by this Government through the 2013 Fijian Constitution and through our extension of dual citizenship.

“The FijiFirst Government continues and will continue to make it easier for former Fiji residents to visit, live in, and to make investments in this country.

“Even during the pandemic, I have officiated at events to open businesses that were invested in by these former residents.

“The numbers continue to grow and this includes many successful businesses overseas with Fijian ties who have sponsored our sporting teams and engaged in charity work here.”

Results: (Legends) Australia 2-1 USA, Fiji 0-1 Canada; (Masters) Fiji 0-0 New Zealand.

Picture: JONA KONATACI Paradise Beverages sales manager Paulini Vukikomoala (left) joins Paradise Beverages Fiji general manager sales/corporate affairs Joe Rodan and officials of the Namalata 7s during the launch in Suva yesterday.