There is a need for local coaches to get qualified and accredited as they rep­resent us at international level sports,” says Permanent Secre­tary for Youth and Sports Maretino Nemani.

Nemani officiated the opening of the 2nd Annual Coaches Forum at Albert Park, Suva yesterday.

“The annual coach’s forum has been organised by the Fiji Nation­al Sports Commission for a num­ber of reasons,” the former na­tional football star defender said.

“As you know one of the key and important things about coaching is to get accredited since most of our sporting coaches are coaches but not qualified coaches.

“So, the objective of the Fiji Na­tional Sports Commission is to get these coaches certified and accred­ited and they are actually coach­ing at international level.

“As far as the athletes are con­cerned they also require proper coaches and not only that but also they coming together to enhance the capabilities they have, learn from each other and strengthen their ability to become better coaches.

“The Fiji Sports Council plays a big part with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in terms of mi­nority sports and I think one of the challenges we have is facilities and we all will agree to that.

“And I believe the government is very critical, mindful and com­mitted to ensuring that we have sports facilities that are inclusive whether it has to do with minor or major events.

“Also, I like to emphasise that everyone is part of the sports net­work in the country.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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