The 2022 Digicel Fiji FACT was officially opened by the Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum last Friday at the Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
Khaiyum said sports was an integral part of our nation and they were focused on the development of all sports in the country.
“We’re very much focused on developing sports. Sports in Fiji are not only for entertainment but also as a career path and are an integral part of our nation .”
“I mean, people like Roy Krishna sitting here in the stadium. People like Roy actually emulate what actually can be achieved by Fijian footballers overseas and how they can make it actually a career and a living source.”
Khaiyum added that there is a lot of potential in football and with the opening of the football academies around the country, talents will continue to develop.
“And in football, we believe there is a lot more potential and from the plans that we’ve heard from the Fiji football association in terms of building academies.”
Academy in various other places would mean there is an opportunity. So we need to develop sports at that professional level.
“I think women football of course is an opportunity also as you see in rugby and numerous other sports.”
“If you look into the history of football in Fiji, it’s very interesting as to how football developed in Fiji and how it was introduced by the British.”
“We need to take a more professional approach to sports. Government has a zero-rated duty on all equipment, right from books to all sorts of things to encourage people who participate in sports.”
“Football in particular, most of the local level does not have that level of sponsorship of a large national level. I like to take this opportunity to thank football enthusiasts who are volunteers and also wish all the teams the very best.”
Meanwhile, 4R Electrical Labasa FC will meet RC Manubhai Ba Fc in the first semi-final of the 2022 Digicel FACT at 2.30 pm while defending champions Ram’s Cleaning Services/All Freight Logistics Suva FC will take Baker’s Fresh Biscuit Crackers Lautoka FC at 5 pm on Saturday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
The final will be played at 4 pm on Sunday.
