Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Jese Saukuru, has extended his congratulations to Fiji’s athletes, sportsmen, sportswomen, and youth for what he labeled as an impressive and fulfilling 2025. As the new year approaches, he urged them to maintain focus and commit to a drug-free lifestyle as they gear up for the challenges of the 2026 season.
In his New Year’s address, Saukuru reflected on a successful year marked by notable achievements at both local and international levels. He commended athletes across various sporting codes for their dedication and for proudly representing Fiji on the global stage during significant regional competitions, including the Pacific Games, Oceania events, and the Melanesian Cup.
“These accomplishments are a direct result of the development initiatives we have undertaken in sports,” Saukuru remarked, recognizing the vital contributions of administrators, coaches, trainers, and sporting bodies throughout the year.
He expressed gratitude to all teams and individuals who contributed to the successes of 2025, highlighting the importance of collective effort behind the scenes. Additionally, Saukuru praised youth clubs nationwide for their progress, noting a trend of forming cooperatives aimed at boosting their financial viability.
“My vision is to see all youth cooperatives thriving, enhancing their financial positions, and making meaningful contributions to Fiji’s economic growth,” he stated.
As he looks forward to 2026, the Minister acknowledged that significant work remains but remains optimistic about achieving even greater milestones in sports and youth development. He delivered a poignant message to the youth at the close of the festive season, urging them to steer clear of drugs.
“Don’t waste your time, your life, or your money on drugs. Stay clean and stay healthy,” he advised, also encouraging them to stay rooted in their faith, with the assurance that God is watching over them.
Saukuru concluded his New Year’s message by wishing all athletes, young people, and families a prosperous and successful 2026. The emphasis on youth development and the call for a drug-free lifestyle reflect a hopeful outlook for the future of sports in Fiji.