Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports Mr Maritino Nemani today officially opened the Fiji National Sports Commission 'Train the Trainers' workshop at the LDS facility in Lami.

Aimed at equipping communities with accredited personnel to coach or referee/umpire a sport in the community the three day workshop targets youths from communities in Delainavesi, Nadonumai, Suvavou, Lami Village, Wainigasau, Qauia, Valenicina, Naivikinikini, Kalekana and Namuka Settlement.

Speaking to the participants and guests present Mr Nemani said sports play a pivotal role in the development of an athlete.

"As a coach your role will play a fundamental role in the make-up of your teams. You will have to understand the great responsibility placed upon your shoulder, understand your team and help them understand the importance of team work to achieve the ultimate aim which is to win," he said.

“It is a great responsibility and you will need the support of more than one person to help lead your team and this is where sport administrators play an equally responsible role,” he further said. “All in all both roles of coach and sports administrators calls for commitment. Commitment to your responsibility and commitment to your team.”

Mr Nemani further said that Government recognises the importance of a well-managed sporting community and more importantly a healthy and physically enabled nation.

“In committing to this important programme, the Fiji National Sports Commission has been tasked to facilitate sports outreach programs and it is very pleasing to see such programs being delivered to young Fijians in their various settings,” he said.

“This workshop I understand is a follow up to the First Round of training which has had some impact in the greater Lami area,” Mr Nemani further said. “We note the establishment of the Lami Youth Network which as of now is the governing body of Sports in the Lami Zone, the establishment of the Delainavesi Youth Club and the registration of 8 youth club with the Ministry which reflects the receptive characters of participants.”

Participants at the three day workshop will be accredited in the areas of establishing community sports clubs, sports specific coaching, refereeing or umpiring skills, Sports administration skills, Effective presentation and assessing skills and Basic strength and conditioning.