A COLLABORATION between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Public Rental Board (PRB) to support youth development within PRB properties culminated in the official handing over of a multi-purpose court to residents of Lagilagi housing in Raiwaqa yesterday.
Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru, who officiated at the handing over ceremony, said the development of the court cost the ministry about $170,800 and was a worthy investment, further urging the community to look after it, use it for its intended purpose and to refrain from engaging in illegal activities.
“As our economy expands thanks to your Coalition Government’s achievements, we intend to provide the Fijian people with much more, especially in those parts of the country where the need is greatest or where Fijians live in more isolated circumstances,” Mr Saukuru said.
“An increasing number of young Fijians are using their sporting prowess to carve out professional careers for themselves.
“Sport is also a wonderful way to keep our nation healthy and reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Moreover, sport unites us as a nation in a way few other things can.
“It lifts our spirits, fills us with national pride, and is a powerful force for unity.”
PRB general manager Timoci Naleba said the facility would appeal to youth in the area.
“We have so many youths here and I’m sure they’d be looking forward to using this new court. From competitions, training, sports and even family gathering but again it was something that we lacked, which was having proper recreational facilities in the PRB,” Mr Naleba said.
“So having something like this boosts the confidence of our youths and contributes to a stronger community spirit.”
Minister for Housing Maciu Nalumisa said the new court was part of his ministry’s broader initiative of setting up more sporting facilities in housing estates across the country.
“We feel that every individual need to have access to recreational spaces. That’s why we have established this court, all with collaboration from the PRB and the youth and sports ministry,” Mr Nalumisa said.
The court offers spaces for volleyball, basketball, netball and family occasions.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated July 25, 2025
