International Youth Football Academy CEO, Mr. Rivaz Ali,
Mobil Oil (Fiji) CEO, Mr. Narongkorn Charusakwong,
Vodafone Fiji, Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Rajnesh Prasad,
Young and aspiring tournament participants,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula vinaka, and a very good morning to you all.
I am delighted to be with you in Pacific Harbor this morning and be part of the IYFA Champions League Tournament.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As a sport loving nation, sports plays a meaningful role in the lives of all Fijians – bringing us together, undeterred by our diverse backgrounds. It builds our sense of freedom – our pride in being Fijian – and gathers us in a way that is unique and special.
Through this IYFA Champions League Tournament, friends and families come together to enjoy each other’s company and at the same time reflect on the International Youth Football Academy’s (IYFA) objective, which is to create a community for young and aspiring football players, with a commitment to excellence.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I must thank the organisers and sponsors for this great initiative, as it not only provides you the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and be in good spirits, but to also engage in some form of physical exercise, which is very important.
I have always believed that football has been a great way of making common cause. It attracts players and fans from all backgrounds and brings them together. It’s one of our major national sports and is much loved by Fijians across the country. I myself am a soccer enthusiast and in my much younger days enjoyed my time on the field.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Sporting talent is something that every Fijian and every aspiring sporting youngster respects. And whether you win or lose, it is your participation – to the best of your ability – that commands respect. If you can impart good sportsmanship and fair play in even one Fijian child, you too are a winner and are doing our nation proud.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
From the Fijian Government’s perspective, we are all Fijians, and under our Constitution soccer is a prominent national sport. That is why the Fijian Government will ensure that the sport is open to any child with an interest in the game, no matter what their background is or where they are from.
The future we want for our children is of equality. We want them to grow up in a country that respects and cherishes our different cultures and traditions, but at the same time takes pride in a common national identity.
As a young country, we need to prepare young athletes for their sporting future, and not just the next competition. So, I want to thank Rivaz Ali and Maraia Matatea for establishing the IYFA in 2016 – providing the best standard of training alongside programs to ensure our children are provided top-tier training and development of their football skills.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is not a day for long speeches, and my favorite part of the game is being given the opportunity to play.
With those words, it gives me great pleasure to declare the IYFA Champions League Tournament open and I wish you all the very best.
Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.
