CAPTION: Minister Commander Viliame Naupoto and FASANOC President, Mr. Vidhya Lakhan try on the new uniforms donated by Korean government.
Government is coordinating closely with sporting bodies in the country so that sports can be developed to a level so “where athletes can achieve their dreams of winning gold medals, tournaments and world cups”.
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr Viliame Naupoto made these comments while receiving $15,000 worth of Taekwondo equipment from Korea’s Ambassador to Fiji, H.E Mr Hae-Wook Cheong this afternoon which will be given to the Fiji Taekwondo Association.
The equipment donated by the World Taekwondo Federation in Seoul includes 300 mats, 136 guards, 100 protectors and 28 mitts.
Mr Naupoto urged the Association here in Fiji to ensure that the equipment are utilised well for the benefit of the current pool of Taekwondo athletes and for the development of the sport in Fiji.
“Government would ensure that there is access to a wide choice of sports as a form of recreation to all young and old and help build a healthy nation through sports,” Minister Naupoto said.
“The Fiji Sports Commission that is currently being set up will, in collaboration with stakeholders, spearhead Government’s efforts in this regard.”
The Minister also expressed Fiji’s appreciation and gratitude to the Republic of Korea for understanding Fiji’s sporting needs and its commitment to assist the Fiji Taekwondo Federation.
Korea’s Ambassador H.E Mr Hae-Wook Cheong said the equipment donation is a timely gift given the recent developments in the sporting sector in Fiji.
“These equipment are provided at just the right time when Fiji Taekwondo Association sets out to train athletes for competition at the 2013 Pacific Mini Games in September this year,” H.E Mr Hae-Wook Cheong said.
He added that Fiji has already produced a few Taekwondo medalists with the likes of Mr Samir Ali and Ms Elizabeth Bernard.
“Given the physical fitness and sports loving-spirit, Taekwondo has a good potential to become a major medal box to elevate Fiji’s stature in the international and regional sports arena,” H.E Mr Hae-Wook Cheong added.
MINFO