The young men and women of Votua village in Nadroga will no longer have to travel a long distance to get the conditioning and preparation they need to excel in sport. This is thanks to $12 000 in help with equipment organised by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

Village headman Nacanieli Tavaga said the youths were excited by the assistance from the Office of Prime Minister.

“We are really happy to get such boost.

“We have not been able to produce national reps in rugby but this should change in the future,” he said.

However the club had produced Aussie based Newcastle Knights winger Akuila Uate, France based Savenaca Tokula, former Nadroga rugby reps Alifereti Navotoga (prop), Samisoni Walai (wing) and former Ratu Kadavulevu School sprinter Napolioni Korocibi.

“This gym will be used by our rugby team formerly known as Sinukakala rugby club and now known as the Blue Dolphin Rugby Club,” Mr Tavaga said.

“This is good news for those that play rugby league or union in this village and it will be put to good use.”

He thanked the gesture from the Office of the Prime Minister after Mr Bainimarama was told last year of the need for gym sets for the young people in the village and the surrounding areas.

Mr Bainimarama said, “An expenditure of a little more than $12 000 and you have basic fitness and training equipment that will allow these young people to train right in their village.”

The project was funded with assistance under the Taiwan Grant for grass roots projects.

Mr Bainimarama said: “It is the philosophy of my Government that opportunity must not be limited to people in the cities, or people who are wealthy. It is the job of Government to make sure that there is a level playing field across all of Fiji.

“Government can’t create great scholars, or great entrepreneurs, or great rugby players. But it can create the conditions to allow the young people who have drive and ambition, native intelligence and good moral character to succeed at whatever they choose.”

He added that it is the job of Government to do all it can to compensate for the conditions that can hold good young people back, conditions like poverty, distance and geographic isolation.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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