A total of 27 schools around the Suva and Nausori zones are part of the pilot phase of the programme, which Fiji has followed in the footsteps of Vanuatu, Tonga, Tahiti, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea and South Auckland in launching.
Paul Holland, the Australian High Commission third secretary, and Lorraine Mar, secretary general and CEO of the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, were special guests at the launch while the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) contingent was led by President Dr. Muhammed Shams-UD-Dean Sahu Khan and finance committe chairman Sashi Bhindi.
Dr. Sahu Khan says the official launch is an historic day for the Fiji FA.
“This initiative is a new dawn for the association as it provides a ray of hope and assurance to further boost our youth development plans,” he says.
“The aim of Just Play is simple – to use the beautiful game as a social development tool within schools, promoting physical activity for primary-aged children while encouraging community involvement and healty living.
“Fiji FA has always supported and will continue to support all aspects of such development for the good of our beloved country. I would like to thank the Ministry of Education and the Fiji Government for all their support in such a marvellous project.”
Mr Holland was quick to offer congratulations to the Fiji FA on behalf of the Australian High Commission.
“The Just Play programme has been developed by OFC to encourage young people to participate in sports and to live healthy lifestyles,” he says.
“The programme reiterates the significant role sport plays in promoting postive, healthy development and improving quality of life. It sends out a message that football breaks down barriers – it does not see race, religion, gender, disability and social or economic status.”
Developed by the OFC social responsibility and technical departments, Just Play was launched in Vanuatu last April.
OFC is working closely with UEFA, the Government of Australia – through its agencies the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) – and Football Federation Australia (FFA) to roll out the programme across the Pacific. The Australian Government has shown its support to the project by contributing AU$4million.
In South Auckland, Just Play is supported by OFC’s partnership with the Sir John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation, Counties Manukau Sport and Auckland Football Federation.
For more on Fiji football go to www.fijifootball.com.fj