Tuitubou leaves for China today to discuss action plan

Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou, leaves for China today to discuss details on how they could help in the development of sports in the country.

Tuitubou confirmed that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with countries like Cuba, Vanuatu, Indonesia, China, Korea and Melanesian Spearhead Group on how we could assist each other in sports.

“I would like to ask you to make contact with our senior sports officer or the permanent secretary to indicate where you think you can benefit,” he said.

“I leave for China to discuss a detailed plan of action as we move now to ensure we do not leave these agreements to gather dust. They must be tools we use to add value to developing sports and physical activity in our country. In the near future we will sign a MoU with Japan, which is particularly important as move to the next Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as another with Russia.”

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Tuitubou said they have heard request for increased financial support through the tax incentive system for sponsorship.

“My ministry has begun to discuss this issue with the Fiji Revenue Customs Authority to find ways to improve the system. Many of you want the threshold reduced: some want the incentive increased from 150 percent to 200 percent.

“We are looking at creative ways to provide attractive incentives to the private sector, particularly on longer term investments, while also being responsible in terms of the overall national budget. I hope that it will also reduce the dependence of national sporting organisations on Government funding.”

SPORTING FACILITIES

Tuitubou indicated that another area they are focusing on is the facilities as they cannot increase numbers of participants with nowhere to play.

“The ministry is undertaking a facility audit with the assistance of the Ministry if Lands, Local Government and the Sports Commission.

“With this information, we will look at where there is a real need for basic facilities.

“Some of these facilities will double up as evacuation centres in time of disaster.

“For the past five years, the number of requests that we have not been able to meet is 104.

“We will investigate these and draw up a realistic budget to address this backlog.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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