On Tuesday the Fiji FA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) working towards the prevention of HIV /Aids through the FASANOC Stop HIV Programme.
Football becomes the third sport along with Rugby League and Basketball to join the programme.
Fiji FA Chief Executive Officer Bob Kumar says this was a perfect opportunity to contribute towards the betterment of the country. He adds that football being one of the major sports in Fiji and the wide fan base will allow the “STOP HIV Programme” reach more people.
“We are indeed very happy to join hands with FASANOC and the “STOP HIV Programme” team. Fiji FA believes being one of the major sport in the country; football has a social responsibility towards the community.
“Football as one may know is played by both men and women in Fiji. The players will be able to promote this awareness programme which will see us fulfilling our role to the community by educating our young generation. We have worked with the “STOP HIV Programme” team last year inviting them to our tournaments. Signing an agreement now sees us being more involved in raising awareness,” Kumar said.
Andrew Prasad the “Stop HIV Programme” National Coordinator says they will be using inspirational football players during their projects.
“This will be the pathway to promote the sport of football to advocate on the prevention of HIV/AIDS through the involvement of elite football players as Stop HIV Champions to advocate the face of the programme. Using the various events of football we will be able to reach out to players, clubs, administrators and spectators,” he said.
Regional Manager for the “Stop HIV Programme” Margaret Eastgate was also present during the official signing of the MOU.
She says that Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) had also contributed around $20,000.00 for the programme and that Fiji FA coming on board would play a pivotal role.
Eastgate says partnership of this nature was a major helping hand.
Source: Fiji FA MEDIA
