National Federation Party MP, Lenora Qereqeretabua says the Fijiana 7s team’s bronze win in Tokyo has brought to the fore many discussions about an equal playing field in sports.
While giving her End of the Week Statement in parliament on the Development of Women in Sports, Qereqeretabua says despite the challenges faced by the Fijiana, they played their hearts out and it was a testament to their own grit and determination.
Qereqeretabua further says in order to get them to the pinnacle of sports repeatedly and consistently and bring back medals and trophies, there must be a development pathway and fair and equal distribution of financial support for women’s sports.
She has called for respect for women athletes.
Qereqeretabua adds she hopes as Fiji prepares for the Commonwealth Games and the next Olympic Games, women’s sports will not be drop kicked into the backseat.
While responding to Qereqeretabua, Minister for Youth and Sports, Parveen Bala says the government provided $1.47 million for the preparation and participation of the women’s team.
He says the Prime Minister has acknowledged, congratulated and announced a million dollar package for both the men’s and women’s 7s teams.
Bala says the opposition just wants to be relevant.
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