The role of developing sports amongst Fiji’s youth is a position that the Fijian Government takes seriously.
Opening the official start to the Trans Pacific Touch Tournament today, Minister for Youth and Sports Viliame Naupoto encouraged athletes and participants from across the region to recognise the value of sporting activities.
“I encourage our youths to take up sports, as it will help instill and develop discipline, patience, perseverance, confidence, courage and tolerance which are some of the important virtues that will help you through life”, the Minister said this morning at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
The tournament which was opened with a march by the Fiji Police Marching Band leading participating countries including Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.
37 teams are competing for top honours at the three day event.
“Make yourself at home during your days of stay and I hope that in addition to enjoying the game, you will also find time to enjoy our Fijian beauty and the warmth of our people,” Mr Naupoto said.
While, touch rugby in Fiji is considered a minor considering the level of formal competitions, informally it is the biggest played sport in Fiji played by people of all ages in village greens, beaches, schools, streets and with different kinds of balls ranging from plastic bottles, coconuts to paper balls.
“Throughout Fiji, touch rugby is an afternoon game played to burn off the day’s energy consumption, to de-stress, or just simply to meet up with friends and have fun. Touch rugby, both competitive and recreational is one of the most enjoyed forms of sports recreation here in Fiji,” he added.
Mr Naupoto concluded that touch rugby like any other sport brings families and communities together to play and enjoy themselves in an environment that offers both a competitive as well as friendly rivalry that helps to foster team work, discipline as well as social cohesion and community solidarity which are important ingredients for nation building.
Government through the Fiji National Sports Commission contributed $33,000.00 towards the hosting of the event.