Fiji has embarked on a historic journey by hosting the inaugural Oceania Athletics Championships that has boosted Fiji's economy as athletes, team and technical officials, families and support groups converge on our shores, invigorating local businesses and showcasing Fiji's beauty to the world.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted this while launching the Oceania Athletics Championships where he welcomed over 1,100 athletes from the 22 participating countries that in the championships.
Rabuka says in their quest for victory, they need to make their mark to qualify for the upcoming Olympics, Commonwealth Games and the World Championships and the glittering possibilities are endless.
He says they have continued to embrace athletes from across the region, fostering friendships and mutual respect through the universal language of sport and some may have heard of his vision, to declare the Pacific as an ocean or zone of peace.
He hopes that the Pacific Islands Forum members will unite to declare our Ocean of Peace to the world and the key agenda for Fiji and the priority of the government is peace building at home.
The Prime Minister says sports is an inclusive means of uniting the people and the world to advocate for peace and working together for peace and prosperity.
He further says looking beyond the country, the 2024 Oceania Championships serve as a launchpad for Fiji and other Pacific Island nations to attract and host major international competitions.
Day 4 of the Championship is currently underway at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
