Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, in his capacity as Minister for Youth and Sports launched the official logo for Drug-Free Sports Fiji at the Novotel Hotel in Lami, reinforcing the government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of sport and strengthening national efforts to combat drug abuse.
Drug-Free Sports Fiji was established under the Ministry of Youth and Sports as a statutory body responsible for enforcing the Anti-Doping Act 2024.
Working closely with international partners such as the World Anti-Doping Agency and UNESCO, the organisation aims to ensure that Fijian athletes competing internationally do so with integrity, fairness, and accountability.
The new body will oversee comprehensive anti-doping testing and education programmes, extending efforts from elite sports to grassroots levels, including local schools, to build awareness about clean sport among young athletes.
Speaking at the launch, Rabuka highlighted that the establishment of Drug-Free Sports Fiji and the unveiling of its official logo signal Fiji’s firm commitment to promoting clean sport and protecting athletes from the dangers of prohibited substances.
He says the initiative comes at a critical time as the country continues to confront the growing threat of illicit drugs affecting communities across Fiji.
Reflecting on his own contribution toward community efforts to combat drug abuse, Rabuka spoke about initiatives in Wailea Settlement in Suva aimed at discouraging drug use and supporting young people to pursue positive pathways.
He expressed hope that stronger collaboration between government agencies, sporting organisations and communities would help reduce drug abuse and encourage healthier lifestyles among young people.
Rabuka also emphasised that sport plays a crucial role in shaping discipline, integrity, and leadership, particularly among the youth, and maintaining a drug-free sporting environment is essential in protecting those values.
He encouraged athletes, sporting federations, and communities to support the work of Drug-Free Sports Fiji and uphold the principles of fair play and honesty in sport.
He says the launch marks an important step in strengthening Fiji’s anti-doping framework and ensuring that Fijian athletes continue to compete with pride and integrity on the global stage.
