At the end of a year where the COVID-19 pandemic stopped Just Play activities from being held in Tahiti, there was relief and joy when a festival was able to be held late last month at Fautaua Val School in Pirae. 

A range of games and activities were organised for the 97 children in attendance, with different classes joining the fun throughout the day. 

Fédération Tahitienne de Football’s Sébastien Marchenay said after such a long absence in activity it was great to be able to stage a festival before Christmas. 

“The aim was to revive interest in the Just Play programme after delays due to COVID-19 and we welcomed the classes who took part,” Marchenay said. 

Plans are now in place to run a festival in February, with the theme of gender equality and respect.