Caption: Minister for Youth and Sports Mr Viliame Naupoto with SOS Unleashed and Ministry of Youth and Sports staff in Lautoka on Friday last week.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports, in partnership with Spirit Of Sharing (SOS) Unleashed of Australia, will be distributing sports equipment worth $100,000 (AUD) to Fijian schools later this month and early December.
SOS Unleashed is a recently formed Australian-based not-for-profit organisation with a focus on connecting communities through the love of sport and will be organising these major events in Fiji’s remote west. Co-founder and Chairman of SOS Unleashed, Peter Cole OAM says this is a most exciting not-for-profit initiative.
“With sport being a central passion of our team members we are deeply committed to impact the lives of millions across the Asia Pacific and especially in Fiji,” says Mr Cole. “Our primary focus is to ‘Empower Youth through Sport’. SOS Unleashed has over 50 years of experience in the sporting industry and is committed to initiating change and provides opportunity through sports.”
Schools, sports clubs and youth clubs will receive a brand new sports kit, worth $1000 FJD expected to raise the standard of sports in rural Fiji. A total of 120 schools and clubs are set to benefit from the donation.
A small team will head out to rural on 22nd November to visit three strategic locations and touch over 40 schools. Cultural exchange events are to be held on 28th November, 5th and 10th December at Natabua High School in Lautoka due to its suitable location. Participants on these days will be asked to share culture through song, dance and sport. There will also be feasting in the traditional Fijian way.
More than 400 Fijian and Australian school leavers will be participating in this project, after demonstrating a strong interest in being involved.
Minister for Youth and Sports Mr Viliame Naupoto met with officials from SOS Unleashed on Friday and the Western Division Youth office and has told them that “the ministry will provide full support towards the exchange events later this month and next month”.
“I have instructed the ministry staff to assist in everything possible and I will attempt to join you in one of these events,” Minister Naupoto said.
MINFO