MINISTER FOR YOUTH AND SPORTS HON.PARVEEN KUMAR BALA
Address on Friday, 12th March, 2021, 8:30AM
• Your Excellency - the Ambassador of the
People’s Republic of China;
• Acting CEO of Nadi Town Council;
• Distinguished Guests;
• Members of the Media;
• Ladies and Gentlemen;
Bula Vinaka, Ni Hao and a very good afternoon to you all,
I am happy to be here with His Excellency in Malawai to mark another milestone in our campaign and development program of Sports Facility. The Malawai Volleyball Hard-court. We were together to open the Nakasi Volleyball Court last year for the people of Nakasi.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Fiji’s relationship with the People’s Republic of China draws from our long standing history since the 1970s of the people to people links between Fiji and the People’s Republic of China.
Your Excellency, as you my know, Fiji is the first Bilateral partner to China from the Pacific. Fiji and China have shared an excellent history, we have come a very long way and have become family friends as I may say. In the past years we have seen a lot of initiatives from both sides collaborating in the area of Youth and Sports Development.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports is very thankful to His Excellency and the Chinese Government for their assistance in funding the Malawai Volleyball Court to total of $80,000. This will bring much peace of mind to all Fijians in this area with the provision of such a top class facility.
Your Excellency, this new sports facility will have a great positive impact on this community of Malawai as it will promote health and wellbeing for the community and also identify some talents in the community that will in future be representing Fiji in Sports. The facility is intended for sports like volleyball, badminton, and other wellness programs that can be beneficial to the community. This new facility will also be an income generating opportunity for the youths and the community in hosting sports events.
Given the current situation, it is pleasing to see that Fijians are keeping up with their fitness by making use of the walkways for an afternoon or morning family walk and the provision of this Court will strengthen the Malawai community in motivating each other in this new normal times.
Fijian Athletes have been challenged both physically and mentally in preparation for their domestic and International Competitions. However, we are thankful for Government support and to Fiji Association of Sports, National Olympic Committee and the Fiji National Sports Commission in providing assistance and guidance to athletes, coaches and administrators.
With sports as an enabler, the Fiji and China relationship has been made stronger moving forward during this COVID19 period.
Ladies and Gentlemen, once again I am delighted to be here today and officiate with His Excellency at this important ceremony with the great assistance from the People’s Republic of China.
With that, I thank you and Vinaka Vakalevu