The Ministry of Youth and Sports has signalled a renewed focus on grassroots development, integrity in competition, and the expansion of sporting infrastructure to Fiji’s most maritime regions.
Assistant Minister for Sports Aliki Bia acknowledged the groundwork laid by the outgoing leadership while emphasising that the challenges facing Fiji’s youth range from social issues to professional development which require fresh momentum.
“The responsibility before us is not simply to maintain programmes, but to ensure that the work of empowering our young people and strengthening sports development continues with focus,” he said in parliament yesterday.
One of the key challenges facing young people is the transition from training into meaningful employment.
The Ministry according to Bia has partnered with an organisation to address this.
“The Ministry has been working in partnership with Social Innovation Fiji, an organisation that focuses on connecting young people with employment opportunities locally.
Through this partnership, young people are supported in preparing for the workforce while employers gain access to motivated young individuals who are eager to contribute productively to the economy.
“This initiative recognises that many young people possess the talent and determination needed to succeed but often lack the connections required to access employment opportunities.”
The assistant minister also outlined the National Sports Conference which happened last Saturday and the official launch of the Drug-Free Sport Fiji logo.
Bia said that this marks an important step in promoting integrity, fairness, and accountability within Fiji’s sporting system.
Th assistant minister also revealed the Ministry’s plan of developing a multi-purpose hardcourt facility in Rotuma, together with plans for the establishment of a community sports ground.
