The 16th Fiji University Games had 11 institutions to compete in its annual tournament at the University of the South Pacific last week.
Formerly known as the Inter-Tertiary Games, the annual sports event has seen players represent their universities with great athleticism and prowess over the years.
Many students gathered at the USP gymnasium for the official opening of the event.
Chief guest at the event was the Youth and Sports Minister, Jese Saukuru.
Organised by the Fiji University Sports Association (FUSA), the event featured a total of 19 different sports with 1800 athletes competing.
A highlight for this year’s competition was the inclusion of the National Youth Band teams from Nasinu into the annual sports meet.
Mr Saukuru spoke of the importance of sports and the positive impact it has on people’s lives.
“Sports has the power to bring people together, to inspire and unite us in a common goal,” he said.
He urged those present at the opening event to compete with passion, determination and respect for their fellow competitors.
Mr Saukuru expressed his gratitude to the chancellor, vice chancellor and deans for allowing their students to participate in the tournament.
He also thanked the Fiji University Sports Association Committee and sponsors for their hard work and dedication in making the event possible.
The event, according to the Ministry serves as a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents, foster resilience and confidence and build friendships that will last a lifetime.
Fiji University Sports Association president, Alifereti Cawanibuka said the students were not only there to win and participate but to also interact with each other.
Mr Cawanibuka said they had organised the university games on September 20 as it was the International Day of University Sports.
He said the students were celebrating the special event with other university students around the world.
The tournament had a great turnout as students showed their support for their teams.
Some students representing their universities travelled from the North and West to participate in the tournament.
