The Fiji Sports Council (FSC) and the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) have recently strengthened their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at promoting national development through the synergy of sports and agriculture. The agreement was formalized at the FSC headquarters, highlighting a commitment to empower the youth and enhance community engagement.
Under this newly formed partnership, AMA will provide financial backing for the FSC’s grassroots initiatives, specifically the Grassroots 7s and Volleyball Development events scheduled for 2026. This strategic collaboration emphasizes the importance of sports in inspiring discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, while agriculture plays a critical role in sustaining livelihoods and offering nutrition, thereby laying the groundwork for a resilient Fiji.
“We believe this collaboration represents a vision that transcends business,” stated AMA Executive Chairman Jone Sovalawa. He acknowledged that the partnership aims to cultivate a vibrant community through the integration of sports and agriculture. The events will not only engage with farmers and their families but also promote agricultural opportunities and strengthen the national presence of the AMA.
Chief Executive Gilbert Vakalalabure of the FSC expressed gratitude for the collaboration, noting that it allows the council to help develop the nation through exciting sports initiatives. Vakalalabure highlighted the collaboration’s potential to elevate community involvement in both sports and agriculture, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life.
The upcoming Fiji Sports Council Grassroots 7s tournament is already generating excitement, with 16 teams expected to compete next week at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. This event is a part of a larger movement to utilize sports as a platform for community development, similar to initiatives seen previously in Fiji, where local sports events bolstered community engagement and support.
The partnership between the FSC and AMA signals a progressive step forward in community development, leveraging the strengths of both organizations to foster a culture of resilience and unity through sports and agriculture. With the first Grassroots 7s tournament just around the corner, the anticipation grows for what this union will bring to Fiji’s future.