The Minister for Youth and Sports, Laisenia Tuitubou, handed over a sporting ground to management and landowners of Namamanuca Primary School on the island of Malolo last Friday.

“The sporting ground signifies Government’s commitment to developing sports in rural areas,” Tuitubou said.

“I know this new ground will be of great use to all the island communities.”

He praised members of the surrounding islands for turning out in numbers.

“I am very glad to see the good turnout and this signifies your support,” he said.

“You have been requesting Government’s assistance for the construction of a sporting ground for quite a long time and the reception we have received is indicative of your anticipation.”

School management and landowners of Namamanuca Primary School were also urged to work together for the regular maintenance of their new sporting field.

Kolinio Siganisucu of neighbouring Tavua Island thanked the ministry for the assistance.

“We’ve been requesting for a sporting ground for a very long time,” said Siganisucu.