A CROWD gathered at Albert Park in Suva yesterday morning for a family-friendly boot camp held as part of Movember, bringing together men, families and supporters to promote men’s physical and mental wellbeing.
The event, organised by the Fiji Cancer Society, Empower Pacific and the Australian Defence Force, aimed to draw attention to the health challenges many men face but often do not speak about.
“Your presence here is more than physical strength; it’s a powerful statement of solidarity for men’s health and mental wellbeing,” said Fiji Cancer Society clinical nurse manager Karolina Tamani.
Movember, Ms Tamani said, was not only about growing moustaches but about growing awareness, courage and connection.
“Behind every uniform, every brave face, is a human story, and every story matters,” she said.
Speakers highlighted the pressure on men in Fiji and the Pacific, including late cancer diagnoses and untreated mental health concerns.
“No more silence. No more stigma,” Ms Tamani said, adding that vulnerability was strength and that seeking help was “not surrender but strategy”.
Empower Pacific was recognised for its counselling support, while the Australian Defence Force was acknowledged for its ongoing contribution.
The message to participants was simple: “Lace up, speak up, check in, and keep moving for your health, for your brothers, and for a future where no man walks alone.”
Major Hugh Kwok, middle, assists Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Peter Roberts, second left, and participants in an exercise during the Vuvale Bootcamp Movember Men’s Health campaign at Albert Park in Suva. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
