Minister for Youth and Sports, Parveen Bala says remittance inflow from Fijian athletes overseas is one of the top foreign exchange earners for the economy and provides income support for many Fijian families.
Speaking at the opening of the Fiji Sports Commission 8th Annual Conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Bala says sports has played a key role in building social cohesion and has improved Fiji’s image globally.
The Minister adds that they recently launched the Framework on the Fight Against Violence and Discrimination Against Women and Girls.
He says sports will play a critical role in assisting men in dealing with this social issue for a better Fiji.
He adds that his Ministry is committed to upgrading and establishing new facilities throughout the country.
The Minister says the government from 2013 to February this year has distributed over $53 million as sports grants through the Sports Commission.
Bala adds that his Ministry has undertaken a review of the 2014 National Sports Policy to articulate and regulate best practice in sports.
He adds that Fiji is also committed to signing and ratifying the Convention on Manipulation of Sports Competition, Sports Integrity and Sports and Human Rights Agenda.
He says it is a multilateral treaty that aims to prevent and deter match-fixing and criminal activities in sports.
