The Island of Vatulele is set to launch its inaugural Sports Development Train the Trainer (TOT) and Educate the Educator (ETE) program in Taunovo village from November 12-14. This three-day workshop, organized in collaboration with the Fiji National Sports Commission, the Sigatoka Community Police, and various National Sports Organizations, aims to empower local participants through sporting education.
FNSC Sports Development Officer for the West, Charlene Lockington, announced that the program will include 50 participants along with 10 educators from the Vatulele District School. The curriculum features a diverse array of courses, such as World Rugby Level One accreditation, netball, volleyball, boxing, and the Oceania Sports Education Program-Sports In Community administrator accreditation courses. Lockington highlighted the involvement of youths from four villages: Taunovo, Ekubu, Lomanikaya, and Bouwaqa.
A vital aspect of the program is its commitment to holistic community development. The partnership with Sigatoka Community Policing will facilitate essential awareness sessions throughout the workshop, emphasizing the connection between sports development and overall community safety and well-being. Lockington expressed the program’s significance for Vatulele, stating, “Our mission is to ensure sports development reaches every corner of Fiji. By empowering these 60 individuals, especially the teachers who are the backbone of youth development, we are not just teaching skills; we are creating a sustainable, locally-led sports infrastructure.”
The establishment of such training programs is part of a broader initiative within Fiji to enhance sports development, as seen in recent efforts across the nation. Similar initiatives have focused on improving sports engagement among youth, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and grassroots involvement. These programs are crucial for strengthening community ties and will ideally contribute to nurturing the next generation of athletes and sports leaders.
As Fiji continues to invest in grassroots sports education, the hope is that these initiatives will leave a lasting impact, fostering positive change through active participation in sports across communities. With ongoing support from local organizations and the commitment of community leaders, Vatulele’s program promises to be a catalyst for empowerment and sustainable growth in sports development.