Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reaffirmed the importance of supporting community fundraising initiatives, saying sporting events such as the Fiji Cancer Society golf tournament play a vital role in assisting cancer patients and survivors.
Speaking during the annual fundraiser, Rabuka said he was pleased to take part despite a busy schedule that included recording a goodwill message for the Flying Fijians ahead of their international fixture.
“I’m glad to be back and to play for a cause such as today’s, the Cancer Society fundraiser for cancer patients and cancer survivors,” he said.
Rabuka said the tournament demonstrated the power of sport to bring people together while raising much-needed funds for a worthy cause.
He said the event attracted strong support from sponsors and participants, with proceeds from team entries, auctions and raffles helping the Fiji Cancer Society continue its work supporting people living with cancer.
The Prime Minister, who took up golf later in life while serving in the military, described the sport as one that welcomes people from all backgrounds.
He said golf had provided opportunities for former caddies to develop into professional players through the support of club members and sponsors.
Rabuka also said the sport allowed people from different walks of life to interact on equal footing, regardless of their profession or status.
He encouraged the public to continue supporting charitable causes in whatever way they could.
“Times are difficult,” he said. “Whichever way we can, let us try to support initiatives that contribute to making life better for those who are less fortunate than we are.”
