THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF YOUTH AND SPORTS
MR LAISENIA TUITUBOU

• Members of the International Table Tennis Federation
• Members of the Diplomatic Corps
• Delegates from participating countries
• Sponsors
• Participating players
• Officials, volunteers and
• Invited Guests

Good Morning, Bula vinaka, Namaste, Salaam Aleikum to you all.
I have much pleasure in welcoming the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Cadet Challenge 2017 to our shores. It is indeed a privilege to be hosting a world event on our shores for the first time.
I also would like to take this opportunity on behalf of our Honourable Prime Minister and the Fijian Government to thank the organisers for choosing Fiji to host this event. Being selected as the host country shows that Fiji continues to develop our sporting facilities that meet the requirements of international standards.
On the same note a big thank you and my sincere gratitude to all the sponsors and partners that have shown their commitment and support to the World Cadet Challenge. To all those organisations sponsoring the medals for this competition please accept my sincere appreciation. In particular, thank you to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) providing radio and TV support which includes live streaming, live viewing in the various areas at the venue, daily TV broadcast and highlights. They have also been involved in promoting the event and providing entertainment to the crowd during the event.
My appreciation to all those involved behind the scenes in making this event happen and those who will continue to work tirelessly to the conclusion of this event. A particular thanks to the volunteers who make this event possible.
The Championship lays a perfect platform for Fiji to showcase to the rest of the world, our cultural heritage, Fijian sport and the commitment and dedication to grow and market the Fijian brand. Fiji is a proud sporting nation in the Pacific and like the rest of our neighbouring countries, we are passionate about sport. The Fijian Government is contributing resources to uplift all physical activity across Fiji and to provide fair and equal support to all sporting bodies.
Table Tennis is all inclusive sport, where people from all works of life, regardless of age and physical ability play the sport either for physical wellness, entertainment and competition. We are delighted to have the best Under 15 players here to display your talent for our local and international audiences.
The World Cadet Championship is earmarked as one of many important events on the ITTF calendar and the sport itself continues to draw a huge fan base throughout the world.
This is the 16th edition and is the launch pad for many of the world’s leading players including the current and immediate past World and Olympic Champions. The slogan for this event is “Building the Next Generation of Champions”.
Fiji will continue to develop young athletes and build on this strong foundation for all aspiring players. This follows a 3 day training camp where players trained together and coaches shared their knowledge and experience with fellow coaches and the players.
Finally, to all the players give it your best shot, play hard but at the same time play fair. There might be only a few winners at the end of each competition, but remember to win with humility. You all are winners.
To all our visitors, I hope you have an enjoyable stay in Suva.
I am delighted to declare the 16th World Cadet Challenge open.
Vinaka Vakalevu, Dhanyabad, Shokran.