Minister for Youth and Sports

Hon.Parveen Bala Kumar

Friday, 14th October, 2022, 3:30pm

 

Salutation:

• Taukei Vidilo;
• Respective Talatala Qase;
• Assistant Roko Lautoka;
• Ministry staff;
• Namoli Youth Club;
• Ladies and Gentlemen;

 

I am delighted to be with you all this afternoon in Lautoka for the handover of the gym equipment to Namoli Youth Club.

 

One of Government’s key priorities is building a healthier Fiji. While we are making the necessary investments in improving the quality and access of our healthcare, we also are doing what we can to get Fijians moving. Exercise is a key part of a healthy lifestyle -- and one of the best, and most fun, ways to do that is through sport.

 

For majority of Fijians, when it comes to sports, rugby is a favorite. And Namoli Village is no exception to that shared passion because it is also home to some of Fiji’s well known rugby heroes such as Fiji Rugby Sevens Assistant Coach Viliame Satala among many others. Here I am today, happy to be able to hand-over this new gym equipment so that the youth can train safely and more rigorously.

 

Our seven rugby team is the best in the world. That is something every Fijian can take pride in. But let me tell you, that didn’t happen overnight. There’s only one a way a nation as small as Fiji can dominate the world rugby scene – hard work and dedication.

Not everyone goes on to represent Fiji on the world stage of rugby. But that doesn’t make the sport, or the equipment provided to you today, any less important. The game is a great teacher in many ways. It teaches how to work together, how to use individual skills collectively for the benefit of a team. It teaches us how to persevere against great odds. And it teaches us how to show respect, in victory and in defeat.

 

These are lessons that hallmark adulthood. They are lessons that will help you live fulfilling lives, even when things may not go your way. Even when the going gets tough.

 

Today, I am here to hand-over approximately $8,000 worth of gym equipment that will let your club play safer and train harder.

 

You will no longer have to make the long journey to the city to train with proper equipment. Now you can train right here, you can get moving and stay healthy in the convenience of your own Village.

 

I hope you will use this new equipment well, play hard and stay safe. I wish you luck on the field and I wish your village and the people of Namoli the very best.

 

Thank you. Vinaka vakalevu.

 

-ENDS-