EMPOWERING athletes with skills is ensuring a brighter future for sports in Fiji, said Fiji Athletics Commission chairman Carl Probert.
The Oceania National Olympic Committee General Assembly ended yesterday and ONOC’s Athletes Commission was commended for their work in the region.
Probert said in Fiji programs existed allowed an athlete to better him or herself.
“There are a whole lot of programs which we have for the athletes anytime in their sporting career, during their sporting career we have assistance for them to train, leadership skills that in which they can take their careers after sports,” he said.
“If we are able to produce the type of role models that we are supposed to produce, by these programs and showing good leadership skills, then it will inspire the next generation of sports people in Fiji.
“The athletes of today are going to be our coaches and administrators for tomorrow so the more skills we can give them; we are going to see sports go to a whole different level.”
Head of ONOC’s Athletes Commission Barbara Kendall said there should be more interaction and involvement of the national federations and the national Olympic Committees with athletes to ensure progress.
Commission chairperson Barbara Kendall in presenting her recommendations said there was a need for more representation from the region in the International Olympic Committee Athletics Commission.
She urged more athletes to join the Athletes Commission so their needs can be voiced.
She said the athletes in the region were not as equipped with facilities.
According to Kendall the commission allowed the athletes to talk about the problems they faced.
