MINISTER OPENS OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIP Suva, December 01 – The Honourable Minister for Youth and Sports Mr Laisenia Tuitubou opened the FIBA USP Oceania Basketball Under-19 Championship at the Vodafone Arena this morning. Hon. Tuitubou commended Basketball Fiji for securing the rights to host the Oceania and said; “It is often a rare occasion for developing island nations like Fiji to host international tournaments with so many athletes at a single tournament.” “Gatherings like this often go well beyond one’s expectations as many people eventually create a livelihood from sports.” Hon. Tuitubou however stated that Fiji still needs to improve and work around its infrastructure and logistics to match international standards. “Fiji needs to work harder with great perseverance to enhance our international sports events management capabilities, broaden our media landscape through the application of ICT at all levels of sports promotion and development to consolidate its role in national development and regional development,” said Hon. Tuitubou. He also said that Government will continue to invest in international standard sporting facilities to allow Fiji to host more international tournaments for all sport. “Government through the Fiji National Sports Commission and the Office of the Prime Minister gave almost $0.5 million towards Basketball Fiji in preparations for this championship,” said the minister. He added that that is a sign of Government’s commitment to developing sports and players alike in Fiji. FIBA Oceania president Burton Shipley said; “I commend Basketball Fiji for their hard work in preparing for the tournament.” “And FIBA Oceania has no doubt in their abilities is ensuring that this will be a success tournament,” said Mr Shipley. - ENDS -
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 20:45:22 +0000
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