THE Fiji National Sports Commission (FNSC) has made an impact on the lives of 30 youths on Gau Island.
The commission conducted a two-week sports development and training program on the island last month.
The program coincided with the staging of the 2018 Nacavanadi 7s tournament a fortnight ago.
The program included the Train the Trainer program which trained sports coaches and sports administrators on the island.
The opportunity of practical work for the 30 trainees came along with the Nacavanadi 7s tournament that included officiating in netball and volleyball.
They officiated as referees and assistant referees, volleyball and netball umpires and also prepared tournament rules and organised pools as part of the sports administrations.
FNSC Eastern Division development officer Josaia Tuinamata said the tournament had given the players the opportunity to practise what they learned during the two-week training.
“We visited other villages trying to implement the program given for their future and also for the love of sports,” said Tuinamata .
“Our students have received their certificates and they were really happy with their achievements because they’ve taken the first step.
“Now it’s up to them if they want to continue to learn more and we’re available to offer any assistance and to help develop sports on the island.”
Tiko said the initiative from the commission would bear fruit in the future.
“We have planned a sevens series for next year that will continue throughout the year.
“We don’t have to call match officials from the mainland to officiate or sports administrators to administrate.
“This is because we have these trainees who have the calibre to officiate in their own island and we thank the commission for the effort made,” said Tiko.
