THE spirit of the Olympic Games isn’t confined to the stadium or the podium. This week, the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) launched a campaign to embed the Olympic Values – Excellence, Respect and Friendship directly into the hearts and minds of Fiji’s youth.
Through its Olympic Values School Outreach Program, FASANOC is bringing interactive lessons and sporting fun to schools across the Central and Western Divisions, including special schools, demonstrating that these ideals are vital life lessons for everyone.
The program, supported by Olympic Solidarity, hinges on the belief that the core Olympic Values transcend elite sport.
“Excellence means always striving to do your best, whether tackling a maths problem, helping at home, or running a race,” explained Naomi Waqanidrola, one of the program’s Athletes and Community Engagement (ACE) Champions.
“Respect is about valuing yourself, treating others well, playing fair and caring for our environment. Friendship builds bridges of understanding, tolerance and support within our communities and across the world.”
To make these concepts tangible, FASANOC, working in collaboration with Smash Down Barriers representatives Manasa Naqelevuki and Harvi Yee and ACE Champions including Adi Litia Bakaniceva, Naibili Vatunisolo, Waqanidrola and Epeli Ratabacaca, delivering engaging sessions.
Students first learn about the Values and the symbolism of the five interlocked Olympic rings – representing the unity of the five inhabited continents of the world and the coming together of athletes from across the globe at the Olympic Games.
The learning then bursts into action. Classrooms and playgrounds transform as students participate in fun, inclusive games: mastering table tennis basics, taking on badminton challenges, competing in energetic sack races and collaborating in team relays.
These activities are carefully designed to put the Values into practice. Team relays foster Friendship and cooperation, striving for a personal best embodies Excellence and following rules and encouraging teammates demonstrates Respect.
Quizzes and discussions reinforce messages of sportsmanship and healthy living, often culminating in prize giveaways. Crucially, the program emphasizes inclusivity. Visits to schools like Nausori Special School ensure children of all abilities can participate fully, experiencing the joy and benefits of sport and the unifying power of the Olympic ideals.
“Through this program, we’re not just teaching the Olympic Values. We’re showing our young people how Excellence, Respect and Friendship can be lived out every day,” emphasized Waqanidrola. “By intentionally including schools with children with disabilities, we reinforce that sport is for everyone, there is no room for discrimination and every individual is a valued part of our community. Sport has the power to unite, break down barriers and inspire peace and we’re proud to bring that message into our schools.”
The week-long outreach kicked off on Monday, August 11th, at Nausori Special School, followed by visits to Holy Trinity School on Tuesday. Sessions continued Wednesday at Suva Christian School and Stella Maris School, Thursday at FVTTCDP (Brown Street) and Marist Brothers, concluding Friday at St Marcellin School and Marist Champagnat School and finishing off with FNU, Nasinu at the Paralympic monthly inclusive competitions.
By seamlessly blending education with energetic play, FASANOC’s Olympic Values School Outreach Program aims to do more than just inform.
It seeks to build self-confidence, strengthen community bonds and cultivate a positive, lasting sporting culture among Fiji’s next generation. The goal is to ensure the Olympic spirit – embodied by Excellence, Respect and Friendship – flourishes long after the torch is extinguished, inspiring not just future Olympians but everyone who carry these values into every facet of Fijian life.