The Island of Vatulele is gearing up to introduce its first Sports Development Train the Trainer (TOT) and Educate the Educator (ETE) program from November 12 to 14 in Taunovo village. This three-day workshop is organized in partnership with the Fiji National Sports Commission, the Sigatoka Community Police, and various National Sports Organizations, with the core objective of empowering local participants through sporting education.
Charlene Lockington, the Sports Development Officer for the West at the Fiji National Sports Commission, revealed that the program will host 50 participants alongside 10 educators from the Vatulele District School. The curriculum is diverse, incorporating courses that include World Rugby Level One accreditation, netball, volleyball, boxing, and the Oceania Sports Education Program-Sports In Community administrator accreditation courses. Lockington noted the involvement of youths from four villages: Taunovo, Ekubu, Lomanikaya, and Bouwaqa.
Significantly, this program is dedicated to holistic community development. The collaboration with Sigatoka Community Policing will provide essential awareness sessions during the workshop, focusing on the link between sports development and community safety and well-being. Lockington underlined the program’s importance 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 across Fiji aimed at enhancing sports development. Recent similar efforts have highlighted the importance of improving youth engagement in sports, promoting inclusivity, and fostering grassroots involvement. These programs play a crucial role in strengthening community ties and are expected to contribute significantly to nurturing the next generation of athletes and sports leaders.
With continued investment in grassroots sports education, there is hopeful optimism that these initiatives will create a lasting impact. The aim is to inspire positive change through active participation in sports across communities. Supported by local organizations and driven by committed community leaders, Vatulele’s program stands as a promising catalyst for empowerment and sustainable growth within the realm of sports development.