Commonwealth Youth Games Team Fiji to Samoa will be given an opportunity to compete at a high level, ensure personal development and also forge new Commonwealth friendship says Chef de Mission Lyndall Fisher.

Team Fiji will be participating in seven out of the nine sports which include archery, athletics, squash, swimming, tennis, rugby 7s men and women and weightlifting.

“All sports have identified final members with the Selection Justification Commission meeting this week, Lyndall said.

“All sports are preparing their squads locally with swimming and weightlifting having had some of their team members participating at the recent Pacific Games.”

Lyndall said Team Fiji was realistic as well as optimistic about its chances at the Commonwealth Youth Games.

“Fiji last participated in the CYG in 2008 and unfortunately were not eligible for the Games in 2011 but this is a great opportunity for young athletes to take part with up to 1000 young Commonwealth athletes aged 14-18,” she said.

“The Commonwealth Youth Games will hopefully encourage the athletes to continue their sporting dreams and be used as a springboard to future Games including the Pacific Mini Games in 2017, Commonwealth Games in 2018 and the Pacific Games in 2019.”

Taste of international sport

She said the Games for most, would be the first taste of an international multi-sport competition and an opportunity to compete at such a high-level that would also ensure personal development and new Commonwealth friendships made on the level playing field of sport.

“I am sure the athletes will all do their personal best and fly the Fiji flag high as great ambassadors for the country,” said Lyndall.

She said team numbers were limited for the CYG with all sports apart from Rugby allowed one official only.

“I will be looking at all officials to ably manage their teams to ensure the athletes are catered for in all areas of the Games both on and off the field.”

Lyndall said to qualify for a final would be a wonderful outcome and should Team Fiji win a medal would be an excellent result.

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