Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou wished all athletes vying for a spot in next month’s Olympic Games the best of luck as they participate in today’s Melanesian Athletics Championship.

Speaking during the opening ceremony yesterday Tuitubou welcomed over 700 athletes from 13 countries who have come over to take part. He said this is a special achievement for Fiji to host a number of sporting events in the country especially after the success of last Friday’s Super Rugby clash between Chiefs and Crusaders.

“It is clear that Oceania athletics is punching above its weight in the world of athletics and for that I congratulate each and every one of you present here today,” Tuitubou said.

“I speak for the honourable members of the Fijian government and our people in saying that it is quite a special achievement to be hosting a number of sporting events this year. Now this is the last Olympic qualifier for the Melanesian athletes and I congratulate the organising committee for this grand occasion. I know it will take Suva by storm and setting the pace for the much anticipated Melanesian sporting rivals. With these few words we hope you will all enjoy this exciting event which brings together the island nations and it will surely be a festival of culture,” he added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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