The Fijian Government has strengthened ties with the Chinese Government in the area of sports development in Fiji.
This follows the donation of 200 basketballs and 20 wheelchairs to the Ministry of Youth and Sports from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Fiji.
"These types of gestures help us promote the health and wellbeing of the communities and also help to identify some talents in the community that will in future be representing Fiji in Sports,” said the Minister for Youth and Sports, Parveen Kumar Bala while delivering remarks at the handover ceremony held at Albert Park in Suva today.
"Our diplomatic ties have come a long way. In the past years, we have seen a lot of initiatives from both sides collaborating in the area of Youth and Sports Development."
He acknowledged the Chinese Government for their assistance in the past with the funding for two new highstandard volleyball courts in Nasinu and Nadi.
The Ambassador of China to Fiji, His Excellency, Qian Bo said this is a clear demonstration of China’s support and partnership with Fiji.
"Since the outbreak of COVID-19, China has provided assistance to Fiji with the spirit of overcoming difficulties in solidarity and maintained close exchanges of cooperation with the Government and the people,” Mr Bo said.
"Sports and physical exercises keep people, especially the young, healthy and active."
The event was organised by the Fiji National Sports Commission, FASANOC, National Council for Persons with Disability, Fiji Paralympic and Fiji Sports Council.