In a new chapter towards the continued development of Australian rules football in Fiji, the Fiji Government has engaged in a three-year partnership with St Kilda’s Football Club as an international partner of the club.
The partnership was announced in a ceremony at Albert Park in Suva yesterday where Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, Viliame Gavoka was present alongside the Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji, Claire McNamara.
In his address to the attendees, which included representatives from the St Kilda club, he said their selection of the Fiji Government as its first international partner was a reflection of the shared outlook in the nation’s international appeal.
“This is a first; St Kilda (St Kilda Football Club) has never before had an international partner and they chose Fiji,” Gavoka told those present yesterday.
“They chose us because they see what we see, bringing opportunity, ladies and gentlemen, as a tourism destination we have long advocated for.”
St Kilda Football Club’s chief executive Carl Dilena stated how both Fiji and Australia shared a passion for sport and how the club would align itself with it.
“At St Kilda’s, we see ourselves as a club that wants to do the same thing so I think there’s greater alignment between our cultures and our countries,” Dilena said.
He added the club will be in Fiji over the next few days to conduct playing clinics and undertake community and promotional visits to enhance its work in the country.
Meanwhile, with the new partnership, all Fijians have been given a special membership offering via QR codes handed out on flyers at the event yesterday.
The St Kilda’s Football Club is a professional Australian rules football club based in Melbourne, Australia that plays in the Australian Football League (AFL).
