A total of 27 schools around the Suva and Nausori zones are part of the pilot launch of the programme which has been designed by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and strongly supported by the Government of Australia -through its agencies the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Union of European Football Associations.
Following in the footsteps of other Pacific nations like Vanuatu, Solomon’s, Cook Islands and Tonga, Fiji becomes the latest OFC member to launch the “Just Play” Programme.
Australian High Commission third secretary Paul Holland was the chief guest at the launch. Fiji FA President Dr. Muhammed Shams-UD-Dean Sahu Khan, Fiji FA Finance Committee Chairman Sashi Bhindi, Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee Secretary General & CEO Lorraine Mar were present.
Dr. Sahu Khan says the launch of the “Just Play” programme marked a historic day for Fiji FA.
“It is indeed a historic day as Fiji Football Association marks the official launch of the “Just Play” Programme. This initiative is a new dawn for Fiji FA as it tends to provide a ray of hope and assurance to further boost our youth development plans.
“The aim of the Just Play programme is simple. It is to use the beautiful game of football as a social development tool to promote sports within schools, promoting physical activity for primary-aged children while encouraging community involvement and healthy living.
“This programme is for holistic development of young people aged 6 – 12yrs fostering physical and emotional health and building valuable social connections which offer opportunities for young people to participate in sports and especially with other opportunities in their lives, such as promote education, health, inter- cultural dialogue and peace,” Dr. Sahu Khan said.
“Fiji FA has always supported and will continue to support all aspects of such development for the good and absolute benefit to our beloved country. I would like to thank the Ministry of Education and the Fiji Government for all their support in such a marvelous project.
The Australian High Commission third secretary congratulated Fiji FA.
“The Just Play programme has been developed by OFC to encourage young people to participate in sports, to live healthy lifestyles. Programme reiterates the significant role that sports plays in promoting positive, healthy development and improving quality of life.
“It sends out a message that sport and football, breaks down barriers-it does not see race, religion, gender, disability or social/ economic status. I would like to congratulate Fiji FA for taking on this programme and promoting it in the schools,” Holland said.
Fiji FA MEDIA
Fiji Football Launch “Just Play”
