Former Vodafone Fijian Bati skipper Petero Civoniceva was happy with the outcome of the first 5km Dash for Diabetes which was held at Buckhurst Park, Suva yesterday.

Civoniceva said the 5km dash, which attracted 270 participants, was a good way to start raising awareness for diabetes which was the leading causing of death in Fiji.

“This was a huge success, we had a great attendance with a lot of kids and parents showing up which was good to see and people of all ages coming together on International Diabetes Day,” Civoniceva said.

“This was a good start and a good way to raise the awareness of the issues around diabetes in Fiji; obviously it’s a huge problem.

“The only way to find a solution to it and hopefully put an end to diabetes in Fiji is through education and we have set up programmes in schools, so hopefully we can increase the knowledge for all members of the Fijian public about diabetes, the causes and how to put a stop to it.”

The money raised at the event will back to the Fiji Diabetes Council which will help provide assistance in already established medical centres and finding new treatment.

With the first event so successful, Civoniceva said they were hoping to make this an annual sporting event.

“We will continue to build from here, this has given us a lot of confidence in making this an annual event and hopefully this will feature as a sporting event for members of the public of all ages.” he said.

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