Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports Mr. Jone Maritino Nemani last night (Friday 17/5) told officials and guests at the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) lottery ticket draw that there is nothing better than being in sports or getting involved in anything involving sports.
An Athlete himself and part of the Fiji team for the 1979 South Pacific Games in Suva, Mr. Nemani told officials and guest that sponsors are important partners and their contribution to the team effort must be recognised.
“We are not only here for the ticket draws but more importantly to acknowledge our sponsors because without sponsors it would be really difficult to gather a team,” Mr. Nemani said.
“I remember clearly in 1979 we used to do the milk and beer bottle drive to raise funds for Team Fiji and likewise in 1983 for the Samoa games. Clearly we have come a long way and I just would like to recognize the good work that our sponsors have been doing to facilitate, to come forward and assist our Team Fiji,” PS Nemani adds.
Close to $200,000.00 was raised by FASANOC through ticket sales for their lottery which was drawn last night at the ASCO Motors showroom in Nabua. “It doesn’t go anywhere else but goes back to you,” Mr. Nemani told Team Fiji officials.
The Permanent Secretary further said that the preparation for the 2019 Pacific Games has been tremendous and is optimistic that with the same zeal Team Fiji’s performance will be outstanding in Samoa.
“I am encouraged by the hard work you have been doing to ensure that we perform above excellence and better our record of the last Pacific Games and I’m sure our athletes and officials will be looking forward to some great results in Samoa,” said Mr. Nemani.
Meanwhile Team Fiji Chef de Mission Mr. Patrick Bower said the 2019 Samoa games is a big event for Team Fiji and this year’s team will be one of the biggest assembled to travel offshore.