THE MINISTER FOR YOUTH AND SPORTS
HONOURABLE PARVEEN KUMAR BALA
Address at The Fiji Women Crisis Center Sponsored Dakai Youth Sports Tournament, Rakiraki
18 September 2020 – 8:00 am
• Turaga na Tui Nalawa
• Tournament Sponsors
• Tournament Stakeholder and Partners
• Dakai Youth members
• Participating teams
• Invited Guests;
• Ladies and Gentlemen
Bula vinaka, and a very Good morning to you all
It is an honour to be amongst you this lovely morning and I am sure you are all as excited as I am.
Ladies and Gentlemen, for every initiative or project, it is always important to have a positive impact on people’s lives and the community as a whole. I am so happy to note that in the 2019 tournament, the funds raised was invested in brush cutters to assist in the cleanup of the village, and also assisted the youths who had applied and also benefited in the seasonal workers scheme.
This year, the club is aiming to raise funds to further support the youth projects and assist in development projects of the Village.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports promotes partnership with relevant partners to assist in the development of our community and these 2 years partnership between Fiji Womens Crisis Center and the Dakai Youth Group is testimony to that. I would also like to challenge all participating teams and communities to use this example and implement it in your respective community as a sign of working together for a better and brighter Fiji.
This is a true reflection of the commitment of the Organisers to advocate for sports development in your community.
Ladies and Gentlemen, sports and recreational activity should become a way of life. From our rural communities to our cities, in our schools and parks and on our beaches, sports brings us together –– whether as players or spectators –– in a deep national unity.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a well-known fact that the Province of Ra has produced numerous Fijian Athletes and Sports Personalities over the years. It is through these tournaments that Talent is identified and further nurtured to its correct Athlete Pathway that later converts to Sporting Excellence.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports, with its Sports Industry Stakeholders has always encouraged all National Sporting Organisation to take up this global initiative in trying to have their sport to be accessible to all.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fijian Government stands by these values and I am sure the players and team officials of the 40 men’s rugby team, 30 women’s netball team, 42 men and women volleyball team representing their community and clubs with on ground match officials, suppliers, operations, volunteer and spectators network will enjoy this year’s tournament.
Of special significance this year, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is very important to note that we are living in a new normal time with a lot of adjustments to the way we live and carry our normal duties. While we are given the clear to participate in sports activity, we should always take heed of the Ministry of Health’s COVID19 safety protocols. While you are participating in the respective sports tournament, we must remember that it is our individual duty to make sure that these protocols are strictly followed with the Fiji Care App being downloaded and switched on at all times.
Finally, I would like to thank the Organising Committee of these two days Sports Tournament for their concerted effort in putting together what is forecasted to be an exciting event and I wish you well in this tournament.
Ladies and Gentlemen, with those words, I now declare the 2020 Dakai Youth Sports Tournament open.
-Vinaka-vakalevu-