Fiji Volleyball has endorsed its first ever child protection policy to be incorporated into its constitution during its first executive meeting over the weekend in Nadi. All children and young people who engage in sports have the right for their safety and protection to be assured. This is the responsibility of every adult and organization involved in sports and the federation is taking steps to ensure our children are safe while engaging in the sport of volleyball in the communities and schools.
Fiji Volleyball president Elesi Ketedromo stated that, sports can and does have a very powerful and positive influence on youths and children. It can provide opportunities for enjoyment and achievement as well as developing valuable qualities such as self-esteem, leadership and teamwork. These positive benefits can only take place if a sport is managed by people who place the welfare of all young people first and adopt practices that support, protect and empower them, she added.
The policy includes child protection training for all volleyball coaches, officials, referees and officials engaged by Fiji volleyball. Sixteen associations are affiliated to the federations as of last season. The federation also conducts kid’s clinics in schools around the Suva area and has plans to expand outreach programs as part of its strategic plan.
The federation also works in partnership with Australia Volleyball under the Pacific Volleyball partnership program which aims to increase inactive women’s participation in physical activity targeting women and girls residing in peri –rural communities and villages.
“The Pacific Sports Partnerships (PSP) is an Australian Government program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Australian Aid program and managed by the Australian Sports Commission. The Australian Volleyball Federation and Oceania Zonal Volleyball Association are supported through PSP to build the capacity of the Fiji Volleyball Federation to conduct quality sport for development programs.”
PRESS RELEASE