Annual Report 2010

1 Annual Report 2010

2 CONTENTS

Who we are and What we do

Executive Committee Proﬁles

Sta! Proﬁles

Success Story 1: The Inspiring Fijians: Inspiring Success on and o! the ﬁeld

Presidents Report

Senior Sports Development O"cer Report

Success Story 2: Advocating for the rights of people with disabilities at Hibiscus

Treasurers Report

Financial Reports

Program Reports:

International Competition

National Games

Regional Games

Matua Sports Program

Duavata Sports Program

2011 Plan

Sponsors, Partners and A"liates

Success Story 3: Discovering a love for sports!

1 Who We Are and What We Do

Originally known as the Fiji Sports Association for ties that contribute to their personal develop- 8. Be the authority and manager for the selec- Disabled People (FSAD), the Fiji Paralympic Com- ment, empowerment, improved self- image, tion of Athletes with Disabilities and for the mittee was established to provide opportunities independence and increased inclusion in logistics of Team formation and participation for persons with disabilities to participate in sport society. at International competitions in Fiji. The organisations key goal is to improve the 3. Undertake education and awareness activities 9. Manage our financial a!airs in a professional quality of lives of Persons with Disabilities in Fiji among Persons with Disabilities and within manner to achieve maximum value from our through sport. communities that highlight the value of sport funding and so optimise the support and ser- To achieve this goal the Fiji Paralympic Commit- for Persons with Disabilities vices that we are able to provide to Persons tee has the following vision, mission, values and with Disabilities. 4. Promote and advocate for an increase in the programs: participation of women and girls with disabili- 10. Manage our human and physical resources in ties in sporting activities at a level and in a accordance with current best administrative FPC Vision: role they choose, and so achieve equal oppor- practice. Our vision is that all persons with disabilities are tunities to achieve personal development, able to participate in the sports they choose, at Our Values: empowerment, high self- image, independ- a level they choose and in a role they choose, to ence and increased inclusion in society. 1. We believe that Persons with Disabilities have enhance the quality of their lives so that they may the right to lead lives with dignity and inde- 5. Advocate for the integration of Persons with become fully participating members of society. pendence Disabilities into existing mainstream sporting FPC Mission: competitions and activities run by school and 2. We believe that Persons with Disabilities share equal rights and should be treated equally We promise that we will: National Sport bodies with all other citizens 1. Provide support, training and advocacy to 6. Provide organizational and management 3. We believe that participation in quality inclu- Persons with Disabilities, their Organizations assistance to those bodies that are responsi- sive sporting activities plays an important (DPO’s), their families, teachers, sporting ble for the conduct of Regional and National role in helping improve the quality of life and organizations and the wider community to games, meetings and festivals for or that increase the inclusion of Persons with Disabili- increase participation in quality sport activi- include Sportspersons with Disabilities. ties in society. ties that match the needs and aspirations of 7. Be the authority and administrator for the Persons with Disabilities. classification of Athletes with Disabilities 4. We believe that Persons with Disabilities should control the governance of organiza- 2. Promote and advocate for the participation competing in National and International Com- tions that provide services for Persons with of Persons with Disabilities in sporting activi- petitions. Disabilities. 2 5. We believe that Persons with Disabilities is an important part of every child’s healthy should be seen first for their abilities, not their development. disability, by organisations that provide ser- The goal of Matua Sports is to contribute to the vices to them, their families, their communi- healthy development of children with disabilities ties and wider Fijian society from Fiji’s 16 Special Education Centres by pro- 6. We are committed to reliability, honesty, viding a fun, games based program for children integrity, trust and courage with transparent aged 6-12 and giving children 12-18 the chance to governance and management participate in mainstream sport competitions run by National Sport Federations and School Sport FPC Programs bodies. Activities include the Pacific Junior Sport Matua Sports Program and Matua Sports Integration.

Matua Sports is FPC’s school sport program. ‘Matua’ is a Fijian word that derives from the English word ‘mature’. The name highlights the importance of sport for supporting the healthy FIJI growth and development of children with disabilities.

The Matua Sports logo represents this concept of Duavata Sports growth in three ways: Duavata Sports is FPC’s community education and advocacy program. ‘Duavata’ is a Fijian word 1. Fun: Two happy children jumping for joy – that means ‘one-together’. The name highlights break down the societal barriers faced by persons early sport experiences for children need to the value sport can play in bringing persons with with disabilities. be fun. disabilities together with both the disability and The goal of Duavata Sports is to use sport as a tool 2. Diversity: A rainbow coloured circle that rep- broader community, highlighting the abilities of to raise community awareness about the role of resents diversity – children have a variety of persons with disabilities to reduce stigma and sport in improving the quality of life of persons with talents, abilities, wants and needs that need to therefore contribute to greater inclusion in society. disabilities and advocate for their right to become be nurtured. The Duavata Sports logo, with a series of inter- fully participating members of society. Activities 3. Growth: A series of concentric circles that locking rings in the Olympic colours represents include the Sport Ambassadors Program, Inspiring represent the growth lines of the tree – sport the power of sport to bring people together to Fijians and a Women and Sport Committee. 3 Executive Committee Profiles

Daniele Vakalagilagi, President Josefa Verevou, Vice President Jone Robanakadavu, Treasurer

Dan has been president of the Fiji Josefa joined the Fiji Paralympic Jone joined the Fiji Paralympic Com- Paralympic Committee for the last Committee’s Executive Board as mittee in 2007 to take up the role 3 years. A keen sportsman who has Vice President in 2007. In this role of Treasurer on the Executive Com- participated at numerous regional, Josefa works to assist in the formula- mittee. As an elected Member of national and international compe- tion of policies and the deliberation the Executive Committee, Jone is titions in swimming, snooker, darts of the Executive Committee. Josefa responsible for presenting regular and athletics, Dan is a passionate is a keen sportsman with a particular ﬁnancial reports to the Executive spokesperson for persons with disabilities and for the passion for athletics and swimming having competed at and at the Annual General Meeting. Jone also approves role that sport can play in improving the lives of people a national and international level in both sports. Josefa major expenditures and monitors the sta!’s compliance with disabilities. In his role as President, Dan is the Chair- is currently working as a teacher at Suva Special School with ﬁnancial procedures. Outside of his role at FPC, man of the Executive Committee and the o"cial spokes- and is also a Sports Ambassador with FPC, working Jone works as a teacher at the Fiji Vocational Centre person for the organisation. He also plays an important to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities located right near the FPC o"ce at the FNCDP Complex role as the link between the Executive Committee and throughout Fiji. in Brown St Suva. sta! through the Senior Sport Development O"cer.

Deepak Singh, Vice President Rosie Baleiwai, Secretary Sumasafu (Sam) Vilisoni, Past President Deepak joined the Executive Board Rosie was elected to the Fiji Paralym- as Vice President of the Fiji Paralym- pic Committee Executive Committee Sumasafu is the Past President of pic Committee in 2007. Deepak has in the role of Secretary in 2007. As FPC (when it was still under its an extensive background in sports Secretary, an elected position, Rosie former name of Fiji Sports Associa- education and he is current working is responsible for taking the minutes tion for the Disabled). In this role, as the Assistant Sports Teacher at of the Committee’s meetings and Sam is a member of the Executive Suva Special School. As Vice Presi- for preparing responses and other Committee and helps to provide dent Deepak assists in the formulation of policies and communications that are required as a result of its delib- continuity between the past and present Boards. the deliberation of the Executive Committee. erations. Rosie has been working in the area of Special Education in Fiji for many years previously working as a teacher at the Early Intervention Centre and now as a teacher at the Suva Special School. 4 Staff Profiles

Sainiana Tukana, Saimoni Nainoca, Sports Development O"cer Senior Sports Development O"cer Sainiana is a talented athlete and coach who has represented Fiji in A former special education teacher athletics at national and regional and self–confessed rugby fanatic, games. Sai joined FPC in 2007 as Saimoni Nainoca has been working a Sports Development O"cer and tirelessly for the last ﬁve years is responsible for managing and to increase the participation of implementing the Women and Sport Sub-Committee persons with disabilities in mainstream sport. Saimoni is and FPC’s communications activities, and assisting with responsible for managing the Inspiring Fijians initiative, the Paciﬁc Junior Sports. overseeing the delivery of the annual Regional and National Games, and making logistic arrangements for the participation of athletes with disabilities at international competitions.

Fred Fatiaki, Vasemaca Vuniwaqa, Sports Development O"cer Finance and Administration O"cer Fred is a talented athlete, coach and o"cial who has been working with FPC’s newest sta! member, Va the Fiji Paralympic Committee since joined the organization in May 2010 2008. Fred competes in a range of and is responsible for all o"ce- events including the 100m, 200m, based activities. Va works tirelessly Javelin, Discus and Table Tennis and to support the sports development has competed at a national, regional and international o"cers in delivering high quality services and programs level and attended the Paciﬁc and Arafura Games multi- around Fiji. ple times as an o"cial and coach. Fred is responsible for the implementation of the Paciﬁc Junior Sports Program and is the driving force behind FPC’s inspirational Sports 5 Ambassador Program. The Inspiring Fijians Inspiring Success On and Off the Field

In 2010, the Inspiring Fijians made headlines in the The team’s name was adopted to ‘inspire’ the Fiji sporting world with their strong performance community and to focus on the players ‘abili- on the field against teams from Fiji’s mainstream ties’ on and o! the sporting field. The players are schools. During the course of the year, the Inspir- advocates helping to change what the community ing Fijians played 5 games against mainstream thinks and feels about people with disabilities and, schools winning 2 - against John Wesley College most importantly, what people with disabilities and Nadroga Provincial High School - very con- think and feel about themselves. vincingly. A parent of one of the players expressed this The Inspiring Fijians are a National, Under 16 feeling after seeing the news in the local news- Rugby Team made up of players from the Special paper where he he saw his son’s photo in the Education Centres around Fiji. The players are paper. He exclaimed: “Oqo nai tukutuku ni veigana brought together first and foremost to play rugby. – meaning that this is a never ending story of a However the team also play an important role as lifetime. I did not believe my son who is hearing sport ambassadors for persons with disabilities impaired will be playing competition rugby with in Fiji and are an important part of FPC’s work to his fellow counterparts in mainstream schools.” utilize the power of sports as a tool to improve the quality of lives of persons with disabilities. In 2011, the Inspiring Fijians will continue to play rugby and with support and direction from FPC In 2010, the team even caught the eye of Fiji’s Pres- will continue to be role models for persons with ident, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, who travelled to Siga- toka during the Fiji National Paralympic Games to disabilities. watch them play Rugby. The President greeted It will be a busy year for the team as they partici- the boys before their game and then stayed on pate in the Fiji Secondary Schools Deans Rugby to watch them proudly play in front of parents, Competition playing against mainstream schools friends and supporters. in the Suva Southern Zone as well as playing exhi- The team felt very happy to have the President bition matches at the Regional Games in Labasa, watch their game and greatly honored to have Suva and Lautoka, the National Games in Sigatoka. him greet them personally with one player saying An international tour is planned for Auckland, New “I never dreamed that one day I will come face to Zealand. face with his Excellency the President of the Gov-

6 ernment of Fiji. Sports made this possible”. Presidents Report

As we enter the year 2011, I the Duavata Sports Programs. At this level the pro- am pleased to provide you grams are focused on working with the 16 Special with a very brief review of the Education Centres around Fiji to provide a range Fiji Paralympic Committee’s of services including: activities during 2010. đŏ !#1(.ŏ/,+.0/ŏ/!//%+*/ 2010 was a very successful Management Structure đŏ 1,,(5ŏ+"ŏ/,+.0/ŏ!-1%,)!*0ŏ* ŏ.!/+1. !/ year for the Fiji Paralympic đŏ !#1(.ŏ0.%*%*#ŏ+"ŏ/,+.0/ŏ0! $!./ŏ Committee as we continued In 2010, the Fiji Paralympic Committee underwent to expand our programs and activities. Our con- đŏ !#1(.ŏ 2%/%0/ŏ +"ŏ ŏ /0ûŏ 0+ŏ )+*%0+.ŏ * ŏ a period of re-structuring of its management and tinued expansion and growth as an organization evaluate the programs. governance. FPC sta! and executive are working is only possible through the dedication and hard hard to streamline and to clearly deﬁne key organ- Regional, National and International Games work of our sta! and Executive Committee and izational roles and responsibilities to ensure there with support from our key International Partner - FPC also focuses on the development and imple- is e!ective governance and implementation of the Australian Sports Commission - and our major mentation of regional and national games for programs at all levels. In particular these changes sponsor - Digicel Fiji. persons with disabilities and on sending elite ath- are focused on encouraging and providing oppor- letes to international competitions. FPC engages in four levels of sports development tunities for persons with disabilities to become programs around the country: Grassroots Sports In 2011, FPC played the lead role in organizing the more actively involved in all areas of FPC’s work. Programs and Regional, National and International Regional and National Games. With more than These organizational changes will also ensure Games. 600 children and adults taking part, these games that FPC is transparent and accountable and that provided a wonderful opportunity for persons all our programs, activities and relationships are Grassroots Level (Matua and Duavata Sports Pro- with disabilities to come together to take part in handled professionally and e"ciently. A draft doc- grams) a variety of competitive sports. The Games were ument outlining these key organisational changes The Australian Sports Commission, via the Austral- also an opportunity for FPC to raise awareness will be forwarded to all of FPC’s a"liates and ian Sports Outreach Program, is FPC’s key partner across communities about the rights of people members in 2011. for sports at the grassroots level. The aim of this with disabilities. ongoing partnership is to assist FPC to work towards improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in Fiji through sport. FPC’s has two grassroots programs: the Matua and Daniele Vakalagilagi, President, Fiji Paralympic Committee 7 Senior Sports Development Officer Report

The Fiji Paralympic Committee, working in part- Special Education Centres in Suva. FPC expects to In 2010, FPC’s Sports Ambassadors Program - nership with the Australian Sports Commission, expand the reach of this program to include other focused on advocating for the rights of persons delivered and expanded its grassroots sports Special Education Centres throughout Fiji in 2011. with disabilities throughout Fiji - made its mark development programs in 2010. These programs Overall, FPC’s grassroots sports programs aim to again. Throughout the year, the 12 Sports Ambassa- are geared towards achieving FPC’s overall goal teach children games based and sports specific dors make presentations to communities, schools, of improving the lives of people with disabilities skills, to help prepare the kids for participating in sports tournaments and other festivals around through sport. the three regional games and more broadly to par- the country. These presentations are focused on ticipate in sports on a regular and ongoing basis. encouraging positive attitudes towards persons With our tiny control centre based at 3 Brown St with disabilities by raising awareness about their Suva and just four sta! members, FPC has been rights and advocating for their greater inclusion in able to continue to encourage the active partici- society. pation of persons with disabilities in sport through partnerships with the 16 Special Education Centres, Of particular note in 2010, was FPC’s Sports Disabled Persons Organisations and a number of Ambassadors participation in the Hibiscus Festival Fiji’s National Sporting Federations and. where they conducting presentations and drama skits to packed audience and where they won In 2010, the Pacific Junior Sports Program, which runner up prize in the Hibiscus Float competition, is based on teaching games based and sports spe- an amazing achievement! cific skills to children aged 6-12 years old, was the main focus for grassroots services at the school The 2010 Fiji Paralympic Games held in Sigatoka level. The program was a great success with active was a huge success! It was the first time the games participation from all 16 Special Education Centres had travelled to a rural area in Fiji. The games were around the country. warmly welcomed and celebrated by the local community and provided a great opportunity to In addition to this, FPC was thrilled to introduce create community awareness about the rights of two modified sports - Polybat and Table Cricket people with a disability. (modified from table tennis and cricket respec- tively) to its rotation of sports programs. The introduction of these modified games dramati- cally increased the number of children with high support needs who were participating in sports. In 2010, FPC delivered these sports in 3 of the

8 2010 culminated in a number of exciting events for FPC including a volunteer celebration, a sports festival for International Day of Persons with Dis- abilities, program review sessions and a strategic planning session for 2011.

In addition, many exciting stories eventuated from FPC’s Duavata Integration Sports Program. This program saw children participating in mainstream sports competitions including:

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Throughout 2010, FPC also ran a number of work- The Fiji Paralympic Committee continues to grow shops, training teachers and members on skills each year. And it is only with the support of our related to working in the area of sports. One very International Partner – the Australian Sports Com- rewarding event was a workshop run by Austral- mission – and our major sponsor – Digicel Fiji – ian Sports Commission consultant, Ken Black, on that this growth is possible. Thank you! modiﬁed versions of table tennis (Polybat) and cricket (Table Cricket). The aim of this workshop Saimoni Nainoca, was to provide teachers with activities, which Senior Sports Development O"cer would allow children with high support needs to take part in sport.

9 Success Story 2: FPC Sports Ambassadors advocating for the rights of people with disabilities at Hibiscus 2010

A giant wheelchair rolling down Victoria Parade in downtown Suva – this was the image that many people saw during the 2010 Hibiscus Festival. Imagined and created by FPC’s Sports Ambas- sadors and volunteers the oversized wheelchair float was aimed at creating community awareness about the rights of people with disabilities in Fiji. Engagement and education are powerful tools in light provide positive role models for children and overcoming these stereotypes.” adults with disabilities, their families and commu- The float not only got people’s attention but also nities. won second prize in the float competition – an The Sports Ambassador Program is all about amazing accomplishment – especially as it was connecting the Ambassadors with the public to The Sports Ambassador success at the Hibis- the first time a Disabled Persons Organisation had encourage positive attitudes towards persons cus Festival was an exciting achievement and ever entered a float in the competition. with disabilities by raising awareness about their presented FPC with a wonderful opportunity to rights and advocating for their greater inclusion in Fred Fatiaki – FPC’s Sports Development O"cer, promote the rights of people living with a disabil- society. Sports Ambassador and the manager of the Sports ity in Fiji. The Sports Ambassadors engage with the public Ambassador Program - said that it was an incred- The Sports Ambassadors are already preparing at school visits, community events and sporting ibly proud moment for all the Ambassadors and a for their participation in the 2011 float festival and events around Fiji with each Ambassador bringing wonderful opportunity for their friends, family and the group looks forward to future opportuni- the wider community to embrace and celebrate to the program their own unique story and per- ties which will allow them to share their personal the rights of people with disabilities: “I believe spective on what it is like to live with a disability in insights and stories with schools and communities that the Sports Ambassador Program is a powerful Fiji... During these visits and events, Sport Ambas- sadors speak about their experiences and what throughout Fiji. vehicle for us to create change in our community people in the broader Fijian community can do to through education, awareness and engagement. Fred Faitaiki would like to thank everyone involved include people with disabilities in family and com- When the ambassadors talk to people and engage in supporting the project - Manohan Glass munity activities and promote a positive attitude with communities on a personal level we help to Company, European Union, AusAID, all sta! and towards people with disabilities break down some of the barriers and stereotypes volunteers of FPC and all the Sports Ambassador that often exist about people with disabilities. Fatiaki believes that the program helps to high- Team Members. 10 Treasurers Report

The highlight of our finan- the Fiji Paralympic Committee. cial operations during 2010 The invaluable financial support from the Austral- was the introduction of an ian Sports Commission has allowed the Commit- MYOB accounting computer tee to continue its development, as highlighted in program that will provide the other reports and stories in this document. We also Sta!, Executive, Board and very gratefully acknowledge the generous finan- our Sponsors with accurate cial support from our sponsors and donors. They and timely reports and that have allowed us to provide services not included will enable us to manage and in the scope of activities funded by the Australian control our finances in a professional way. The Government. A full list of sponsors is included in system was installed by Australian Business Vol- this Annual Report and we thank each one of them unteers consultant, Amir Barssoum, who also pro- with all our heart. vided training to our Administration and Finance O"cer, Va who is now able to confidently use the program. Jone Robanakadavau, In addition, Amir reviewed our financial procedures Treasurer and helped implement important improvements. We very gratefully acknowledge the valuable work he has done and the continuing support that he provides. During 2011 our financial procedures will be further upgraded to provide full transparency with accounting controls that will ensure the most e"cient use of our limited finances.

The reports included below are examples of the outputs from the MYOB system. While they are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of reporting, they are subject to any end-of-year adjustments and to inspection by the Auditor. All ﬁnal 2010 ﬁnancial reports and the Auditor’s report will be available from our o"ce to any member of 11 Finance Detail

Fiji Paralympic Committee

Summary of Receipts and Payments for 2010 Financial Year

By Program

Receipts Payments Variation

ADM01 - Program Management Expenses 71,321 64,264 7,057 DII01 - Duavata International Inspiration 2,600 234 2,366 DIS01 - Duavata Integrated Sports 29,207 29,745 -538 MEC01 - Matua Early Childhood Sports 700 700 MIS01 - Matua Integrated Sports 8,100 538 7,562 MJS01 - Matua Junior Sports 18,430 24,366 -5,936 MSA01 - Matua Sport Ambassadors 25,203 19,354 5,849 RDS01 - Regional and National Duavata Sports Festivals 14,890 18,329 -3,439

TOTALS $170,451 $156,830 $13,621

12 Finance Detail

Fiji Paralympic Committee

Statement of Receipts and Payments for 2010 Financial Year

By Source of Funds & Type of Payment

Administration Duavata Duavata Matua Early Matua Inte- Matua Junior Matua Duavata Total Inspiration Integrated Childhood grated Sports Ambassadors Regional & National Source of funding ASC Grants 66330 2600 5707 700 8100 16430 23203 1250 124320 Government Grants 23000 13640 36640 Donations and Fundraising 4688.05 500 2000 2000 9188.05 Membership Subscriptions 302.93 302.93 TOTAL RECEIPTS 71321 2600 29207 700 8100 18430 25203 14890 170451 Type of Payment Salaries & Wages 37562 37562 FNPF 1372 1372 Sta! & Volunteer Allowances 4694 25 1101 1404 1952 9175 Sta! Training 100 2162 2262 Advertising 188 188 Bank Charges 505 505 Electricity 198 198 Local Transport & Meetings 2839 25 2657 726 175 6421 O"ce & Administration Expenses 3034 3034

13 Finance Detail

Fiji Paralympic Committee

Statement of Receipts and Payments for 2010 Financial Year Con’t

By Source of Funds & Type of Payment

Post & Shipping 176 42 218 Printing & Stationery 3324 14 102 8 333 163 207 4151 Rent & Rates 350 350 Repairs & Maintenance 220 220 Sta! Amenities & Entertainment 2601 1200 100 500 545 4946 Telephone & Internet 4345 5 4350 Consultancy Fees 2990 2990 Equipment, Uniforms & Accessories 23 548 168 440 269 1448 Meals & Accommodation 1334 4368 4907 2399 3260 16268 Publications & Printing 133 22 1522 39 93 2875 301 4984 Travel - International 161 198 1990 2349 Travel - Local 999 4735 191 4600 5360 5848 21733 Trophies & Prizes 180 592 772 Workshops & Venue Hire 106 1074 2954 250 1330 5714 Assistance to Schools & Programs 15050 300 2122 3850 21322 Promotions & Public Events 1050 3247 4297 TOTAL PAYMENTS 64263 234 29745 0 538 24366 19354 18329 156830

14 Finance Detail

Balance Sheet of Fiji Paralympic Committee

at 31 December 2010

Cash On Hand Cheque Account $12,004 Petty Cash $100 Other Assets Sta! Loans & Advances $1,790 Non-Current Assets Computers at Cost $3,473 Computers Accumulated Depreciation -$1,151 Furniture & Fixtures at Cost $750 Furniture & Fixtures Accumulated Depreciation -$200 Total Assets $16,766 Liabilities $0 Net Assets $16,766 Equity Previous Year Surplus/Deﬁcit $3,145 Current Year Surplus/Deﬁcit $13,621 Total Equity $16,766

15 Programs Report

International Competition the participation for the first time of athletes with dents and sta!). A strong friendship has now been While there were no international competitions high support needs in Polybat and Table Cricket. established between the school and the village in 2010, preparations were conducted by FPC for The introduction of these games meant that chil- and they look forward to celebrating many occa- the participation of Fijian athletes with disabilities dren with high support needs could, for the first sions together in the future. time, take part in the competition. in a variety of international competitions in 2011, All in all the games were a wonderful experience including the International Paralympic Commit- This year was also the first year that schools for the student, sta!, volunteers and o"cials that tee World Athletics Championships in Christch- from outside Sigatoka were billeted by communi- took part and FPC looks forward to hosting the urch, the Arafura Games in Darwin and the Pacific ties and villages in the area. This was a wonder- games once again in 2011. Games in New Caledonia. ful opportunity for friendships and relationships to develop between Special Education Centres National Games from around Fiji with the local villages. The stu- The National Games were FPC’s number one dents and sta! were warmly welcomed by their achievement for the year. The games were held in host villages with many developing close friend- Sigatoka for the first time and the response from ships from the experience. Many of the villagers the local community was excellent. We really feel also said that this personal contact played a key that we made a di!erence to the perceptions of role in helping to break down some of the nega- the people of Sigatoka towards persons with dis- tive stereotypes about persons with disabilities. abilities, and they will be hosting the games again In interviews after the games people from all over in 2011. the Sigatoka region – from villagers to education

The children competed in a variety of sports games o"cers and police o"cers – expressed the pleas- including: Athletics, Rugby 15, Rugby 10, Soccer ure they felt from being a part of the Paralympic 7, Netball, Standing Volleyball, Sitting Volleyball, Games and were adamant that the games must Table Tennis, Wheelchair Marathon, Table Cricket, return to Sigatoka in the future!! Polybat, Paciﬁc Junior Sports. With just over 300 Gospel School for the Deaf won the overall com- athletes in attendance, the Games were a wonder- petition at the Games taking the most medals out ful opportunity for the students and sta! of the of any of the Special Education Centres. This won- Special Education Centres around the country to derful accomplishment was celebrated in a prize connect with one another through sport. giving day held at the School where the Chief

Of special note at this year’s National Games was Guest included the Head man and his wife from Lawai Village (the village that billeted the stu- 16 Regional Games The Regional Games were again held during 2010. The Northern Regional Games in June at Savusavu for children and adults in the Northern Division. The Central and Eastern Games were held in Suva in July and the Western Regional Games were held in Nadi in September. Each of the Regional Games attracted between 300 and 500 athletes.

Of special note was the Northern Eastern Games which were held in Savusavu. For the ﬁrst time two of the FPC Sports Ambassadors travelled to the community prior to the games to talk to the community about the rights of people with disabilities and to share their personal insights and stories. The games presented a wonderful opportunity for the Sports Ambassadors to engage with the local communities in the northern region of Fiji.

The Central Eastern Games were held at the TFL Stadium on 6th July 2010. Over 70 sta! and students from the Fiji National University were invited to o"ciate the games and their support during the competition was invaluable. The Central Eastern Games also saw three Suva based mainstream schools - John Wesley Primary School, Marcelin Primary School and Vatuwaqa Prinmary School - take part for the ﬁrst time.

More than 500 children from 8 schools participating in the Games and they were joined by huge crowds of parents, teachers and friends who support the children and sta! through the one-day competition. It was also the ﬁrst time that the two newly introduced modiﬁed sports - Table Cricket and Polybat - were included in the program and children from Fiji School for the Blind, Suva Special School and Hilton School participated in these two sports.

17 Matua Sports

2010 saw the continuation of FPCs partnership The workshop was followed up by 18 weeks of with a number of Fiji’s National Sporting Feder- regular monitoring at the Special Education ations through the Grassroots level Matua Sports Centres. This was made possible with the help Program. FPC worked closely with three National of two Sports Ambassadors - Iliesa Delana and Sporting Federations this year: Fiji Amateur Bas- Wilson Rigamoto - who visited the three schools ketball Federation, Fiji Cricket and Fiji Table Tennis. every Thursday and Friday.

In May, 2010, thanks to the Australian Sports Com- The introduction of these modified sports for chil- mission, FPC was lucky enough to host expert Mr dren with high support needs led to the introduc- Ken Black. Mr Black ran a workshop on the two tion and participation of the children and adults modified sports that FPC introduced during the at the Fiji Paralympic National Games. This was a year: Table Cricket (a modified version of cricket) momentous occasion as for many of these chil- and Polybat (a modified version of table tennis). dren and adults it was the first time taking part in These two sports were pioneered in three Special a sport competition. Education Centres in the Central Division: Suva Special School, Fiji School for the Blind and Hilton Special School.

Throughout 2010, the Pacific Junior Sports Program was implemented in all 16 Special Edu- cation Centres in Northern, Western and Central/ Eastern Regions in Fiji. Teachers were encouraged to make use of the 144 activities in the Pacific Junior Sports Kit. Each of the Centres was provided with two di!erent activities to use from the PJSP Coordinator, for every two weeks leading up to the Regional and National Games. This culminated in each of the Centres being allocated FJ$300.00 to organize and run their own Pacific Junior Sports Festival together with children from their neighboring mainstream sister schools. 18 Duavata Sports

Through this program FPC established strong part- In 2010, the Fiji Paralympic Committee and Aus- nerships with a number of National Sports Federa- tralian Sports Commission developed a Sports tions and other sporting bodies for our inclusion Integration Program designed to change the per- into mainstream sports. FPC looks forward to con- ception of the community about persons with dis- tinuing to strengthening these partnership and to abilities and what persons with disabilities think establishing new working partnerships with other and feel about themselves. National Sporting Federations in 2011 and beyond. Through this program, athletes with disabilities were included in the following mainstream sporting events throughout the year: S. R. Nainoca

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đŏ 1/%*!//ŏ+)!ŏ(!ŏ!**%/ŏĢŏ%&%ŏ(!ŏ!**%/ŏ Association

đŏ 10+'ŏ +*!ŏ * ŏ 0$(!0!/ŏ Ģŏ 10+'ŏ Teachers Association 19 2011 CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

January Sport Ambassadors Community Presentation Paciﬁc Junior Sport Refresher Workshop (with Fiji Disabled Persons Association) Planning and preparations for 2011 service delivery Sport Ambassadors Community Presentation (with Fiji Disabled Persons Association) International Paralympic Committee Athletics June World Championships (Christchurch) Northern Division Regional Games October February Athletics Fiji – Kids Athletics Workshops Fiji National Paralympic Games Paciﬁc Junior Sport Program workshop Sport Ambassadors Community Presentation Sport Ambassadors Community Presentation (with Fiji Disabled Persons Association) (with Fiji Disabled Persons Association) March Launch of Women with Disabilities and Sport July November Committee Central/Eastern Division Regional Games Chow Games

Sport Ambassador training Sport Ambassadors parent meeting (Norah Frazer Sport Ambassadors Community Presentation Special School) (with Fiji Disabled Persons Association) April Sport Ambassadors Community Presentation Annual General Meeting (with Fiji Disabled Persons Association) December Launch of FPC website International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Sport Ambassadors parent meeting (Fiji School August Planning for 2012 for the Blind) 2011 Paciﬁc Games (Noumea)

Sport Ambassadors Community Presentation Sport Ambassadors - Hibiscus Festival (with Fiji Disabled Persons Association) Inspiring Fijians New Zealand Tour

Paciﬁc Junior Sport Integrated School Festivals Sport Ambassadors Community Presentation Powerade Games (with Fiji Disabled Persons Association)

May September Arafura Games (Darwin) Western Division Regional Games

Deans Trophy – Inspiring Fijians Sport Ambassadors parent meeting (Nausori Special School)

20 SPONSORS and SUPPORTERS

Fiji Paralympic Committee Our International Partners: Fiji Vocational Technical Training Centre Australian Business Volunteers Gospel School for the Deaf recognises the following sponsors, Australian Volunteers International Nausori Special School partners and affiliates who European Union Levuka Special School Our Government Partners: Western Region support our activities and Ministry of Women, Social Welfare and Housing, Sigatoka Special School Department of Social Welfare Nadi Special School programs and make it possible Department of Youth and Sports Lautoka Special School for us to work to improve Ministry of Education Sunshine Special School Ba Special School the lives of people living with Our Disability Partners: Rakiraki Special School Fiji National Council for Disabled People disabilities in Fiji through sport. Paciﬁc Disability Forum Northern Region Western Disabled People Association Labasa Special School Spinal Injury Association Savusavu Special School With thanks to: Fiji Disabled People Association Our Major Sponsor: United Blind Person Association Our Sports Partners DIGICEL FIJI Fiji Association for the Deaf Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Counter Stroke Fiji Committee Athletics Fiji Our Special Education Partners: Fiji Cricket The 16 Special Education Centres throughout Fiji’s Darts Fiji

Central Eastern, Western and Northern Regions. Fiji Rugby Our Major Partner: Volleyball Fiji Australian Sports Commission Central Eastern Region Table Tennis Fiji Hilton Special School Early Intervention Centre Our A"liates:

Suva Special School International Paralympic Committee Fiji School for the Blind Oceania Paralympic Committee

21 Discovering a love for sports!

Like most 10-year olds, Mohammed, a Grade 3 student at Hilton Special School in Suva, loves to play sports. He is a keen athlete who loves to take part in whatever sports games are hap - pening. Mohammed especially enjoys the extra curricular activities that happen regularly at Hilton such as apple eating and wheelchair races.

Sport has beneﬁted Mohammed in many ways – he is enthusiastic and keen to take part, it has helped him develop friendships with other children, establish strong relationships with his teachers and has helped him develop a conﬁ - dence and excitement to be involved and take part!

Like other children who attend school at one of Fiji’s 16 Special Education Centres, Moham - med has found that sport has provided him with new opportunities to get involved and to have fun.

The Fiji Paralympic Committee works with all 16 Special Education Centres around Fiji imple - menting games based and sports speciﬁc sports skills. FPC recently introduced two mod - iﬁed sports games – Polybat and Table Cricket – to ensure that children with high support needs, like Mohammed, are also included in their schools sports program.

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