FMF GAMES 2004

LINKING COMMUNITITES THROUGH SPORTS AND ACTIVE LEISURE

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 The FMF Fiji Games initially was not scheduled to be held this year. However with the establishment of Sports Fiji Ltd, a corporate arm of FASANOC, the challenge of implementing the plan of having the Games annually was implemented ahead of the scheduled time. 1.2 Not only was it held for the first time in the West but also it had attracted the biggest sponsorship to date as well as attracting over 2300 athletes and officials in 30 sports from 20 districts. For information on participation numbers by sport, refer to Appendix 1. 1.3 Flour Mills of Fiji Ltd came on board as the major sponsor of this year’s FMF Fiji Games with $40,000. With the success of the Games, FMF have indicated that it is positively looking at continuing with their sponsorship. 1.4 Some constraints faced in staging the Games were the lack of proper sporting facilities, inexperience of the organising committee members in this particular area and the weather which prevented the crowds from coming out in good numbers and led to the change of some venues, the most notably being the change of Boxing venue from Churchill Park to Girmit Center.

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 2.1 I would wish to acknowledge certain individuals/ groups without whose contributions this year’s Games wouldn’t have been successful. 2.2 They are Flour Mills of Fiji Ltd, JR White & Co Ltd, Air Pacific, PATARA Communications, Ministry of National Reconciliation and Unity, Mr. Brian Minikin from Oceania National Olympic Committee, Mrs. Lyndall Fisher from FASANOC, the media representatives, Lautoka City Council, FMF Fiji Games Organising Committee members, Ministry of Health, the Fiji Police Force, Venue Owners, Billeting venues, Star Printery, , Australian High Commission, the National Federations, athletes, technical officials, FASANOC/ Sports Fiji officials & staff and all those volunteers who sacrificed their valuable times in making the Games a reality.

3. SPORTS AT FMF FIJI GAMES 3.1 For the list of sports not in the FMF Fiji Games, refer Appendix 2. 3.2 For the list of sports that participated in the FMF Fiji Games, refer to Appendix 3.

1 4. ORGANISING COMMITTEE 4.1 A Lautoka based Organising Committee was formed in April 2004. The committee was headed by the then Lautoka City Council Town Clerk Mr. Pusp Raj with renowned Lautoka Architect and social worker Mr. Hifazul Gani as deputy Chairperson. 4.2 Altogether 14 functionalities were considered in the Organising Committee. These were Accomodation, Marketing/ Promotions, Results/ Registration, Sports Technical, Venues, Transport, Medal/ Victory Ceremonies, Souvenir Program, Medical, Security and Volunteers. 4.3 The full list of committee members are presented as Appendix 4.

5. ACCOMODATION 5.1 The male athletes were billeted at Natabua High School and the female athletes were billeted at Tilak High School. 5.2 The Technical Officials were billeted at Central Primary School.

6. RESULTS/ REGISTRATION 6.1 The Results Center was set up at the Lautoka City Council Chambers and was headed by Mr. Brian Minikin from ONOC. (Mr. Minikin is working on his report for the Results Centre and this will be presented soon). 6.2 He was assisted by a group of volunteers from the Lautoka City Council and Sports Fiji. 6.3 Altogether 21 sports had their athletes registered under the Sportsware Central database. This will make the accreditation process for next year much easier. 6.4 Athletes participating in this year’s game were registered using the FMF Fiji Games Registration & Indemnity Form.

7. MARKETING/ PROMOTIONS 7.1 A FMF Fiji Games website was setup as a link to the Ocenaiasport.com website. Till date, the website had 516 hits in July, 2155 hits in August and 461 hits so far in September. 7.2 Fiji Games brochures were also produced and distributed extensively. 7.3 Radio Jingles were playing on all stations of the Communication Fiji Ltd from mid July to the FMF Fiji Games and on stations of the Fiji Broadcasting Corporations from the first week of August to the FMF FIJI Games. 7.4 FMF Fiji Games stings were introduced on Fiji TV from 23rd August till the 29th of August. 7.5 FMF through the FMF Fiji sposnosrship bought the rights for the Games news coverage on Communication Fiji Limited stations and Fiji Television. 7.6 Press releases were given out as required to inform the public about the latest developments in regards to the Games. 7.7 Live interviews were also given to all media stations to better promote the Games.

2 7.8 Top and Tail Mast space were bought in Daily Post from 21st – 29th August, Fiji Sun from 23rd – 29th August and Fiji Times from 24th – 28th August. Essentially we booked the full page for news coverage of the FMF Fiji Games. 7.9 The Games banners were hung up in Nadi (1) and Lautoka (5) from the third week of July. 7.10 The Games stickers were placed on all Dee Cees Transport buses transporting athletes from Suva to Lautoka and Lautoka to Suva. 7.11 A FMF Fiji Games flag was displayed at Churchill Park for the entire duration of the Games. 7.12 30, 100 posters of the FMF Fiji Games posters were printed by Fiji Times and put as an insert on Thursday, 19th August. The insert was distributed throughout the country. The 100 posters were displayed in various stations in Lautoka and Nadi. 7.13 A Games supplement was in the Fiji Times on Tuesday, 24th August. 7.14 FMF banners were placed at all the competition venues. 7.15 1000 round neck t-shirts were printed and put on sale. 7.16 100 collared t-shirts were printed for the Organising Committee members and the competition managers. 7.17 A FMF Fiji Games Souvenir Program was also printed. 7.18 The FMF Fiji Games torch relay was held from 24th – 25th August. 7.19 The Assistant Minister for Health, Hon. Tomasi Sauqaqa in May this year, officially launched the Fiji Games 2004 in Lautoka. This was widely covered by the media. 7.20 The FMF Fiji Games sponsorship launch was held in the third week of July at the FASANOC Board Room. 7.21 The FMF Fiji Games news was displayed online on www.fijivillage.com, www.fijilive.com and www.fijitimes.com. 7.22 The Games also received coverage in the Lautoka City Council newsletters to keep the public in Lautoka abreast of the latest developments.

8. TORCH RELAY 8.1 The Suva leg of the Torch Relay was held on Tuesday, 24th August from the FMF office to the FASANOC office through the Suva Town. The Chairman of the FMF GROUP, Mr. Hari Punja, lit the torch. 8.2 The Lautoka leg of the Torch Relay was held on Wednesday, 25th August from Shirley Park to Churchill Park through the Lautoka Town. 8.3 The highlight of the Opening Ceremony was the FMF Fiji Games Cauldron, which was lit at Churchill Park by Mr. Ajay Punja – sponsor’s representative.

3 9. OPENING CEREMONY 9.1 The FMF Fiji Games Opening Ceremony was held on Wednesday, 25th August at the Churchill Park. 9.2 The highlight of the ceremony was the lighting of the Games Cauldron by Mr. Ajay Punja – sponsor representative. 9.3 An athlete’s oath was also taken during the Opening Ceremony by Mr. Ashrit Prasad, a Lautoka based athlete. 9.4 Since the Opening was not initially in the program, not much work was put in this area. As a result there was a disappointing turn out, nevertheless it set the rhythm for the Games.

10. SPORTS/ TECHNICAL 10.1 Regular consultations were held with the National Federations throughout the year to keep both parties informed of the latest developments on both sides. These were via one on one meetings, monthly meetings, emails and tele-conversations. 10.2 As has traditionally been done, the National Federations ran their respective competitions. 10.3 The respective National Federations appointed their Competition Managers and Technical Officials. 10.4 The type of competition and age grade, number of days and times were all determined by the NF’s. 10.5 The NF’s also determined Numbers of medals required. 10.6 Baseball had an exhibition match at Shirley Park on Saturday, 28th August.

11. VENUES 11.1 A lot of problems were encountered, as Lautoka does not have the luxury of having proper sporting venues for the 30 sports at these year’s Games. 11.2 A full list of the venues for this year’s Games is presented as Appendix 3. 11.3 The Organising Committee had to carry out certain maintenance work at the Natabua High School Hall, which was used as the venue for Badminton.

12. TRANSPORT 12.1 This was one area where bulk of the expenditure was required with nearly $29000 spent on bus transport alone. 12.2 Transport was provided to 1500 athletes and technical officials from Suva to Lautoka and Lautoka to Suva/ Nausori. 12.3 36 buses were used altogether and they were hired from Dee Cees Transport Ltd. 12.4 Shuttle runs were also provided by Dee Cees for athletes from the competition venues to the billeting centre and vice versa. 12.5 Fifty percent of the boat expenses were reimbursed to athletes from outer islands.

4 13. EQUIPMENT 13.1 Some of the sporting equipment used were either from the 2003 South Pacific Games or was sourced from the Fiji Sports Council including the Marquees. 13.2 The Australian High Commission also provided $12,000 worth of sports equipment to be used in the Games and thereafter to be donated to schools in the Western Division. 13.3 The table tennis stands and dividers were sourced from the China Club and Archery provided their equipment from their range in Pacific Harbour. 13.4 The equipment was transported to Lautoka from Suva and vice versa using the Sports Fiji container. 13.5 A three-tonner truck was hired in Lautoka to transport equipment from the container to the competition venues and vice versa. 13.6 Two officials were hired from FSC to assist us in looking after the equipment needs of the different competitions.

14. MEDALS/ VICTORY CEREMONIES 14.1 Altogether 600 Gold, 600 Silver and 600 Bronze were ordered. The medals were ordered based on the estimates provided by the National Federations. 14.2 A total of 1469 medals were used. The breakdown being 484 Gold, 475 Silver and 510 bronzes. The medal tally status is presented as Appendix 5. 14.3 Most sports had their own medal presentation ceremonies at the respective venues. 14.4 A central medal presentation ceremony was held for Rugby Union, Touch Rugby, Badminton, Cycling and Cricket at Girmit Centre on Saturday, 28th August and this was a grand success with loud applauses greeting all medal winners. 14.5 Sponsor banners were present at all medal presentation ceremonies.

15. SOUVENIR PROGRAM 15.1 The Souvenir Program plan did not go according to plan due to the failure of the person appointed to source the advertisements. Nevertheless it was produced. 15.2 From a projected 72-page magazine, the final programme was only about thirty pages. The news articles were very informative with a full programme in the Centrespread.

16. MEDICAL 16.1 The medical personnel were supplied by the Ministry of Health and they rendered a valuable service. 16.2 One ambulance from St. Johns Ambulance was hired for use.

17. SECURITY 17.1 Security was hired from the Natokowaqa Methodist Church Security Services and was pretty effective too.

5 18. DISTRICT SPORTS COUNCILS 18.1 District Sports Council were formed or revived in 15 districts. In view of the time constraints, not all Sports Council were fully operative, especially the southern ones, while the rest did an excellent job. For more information refer to Appendix 6. 18.2 The good representation from Nadroga, Nadi, Ba, RakiRaki, Labasa and Savusavu are the results of their respective Sports Council’s efforts.

19. BUDGET 19.1 The accounts are currently being reconciled and will be presented to the Board soon.

20. MINISTRY OF NATIONAL RECONCILIATION & UNITY 20.1 The Ministry came on board with a contribution of $10,000 to cover for the production of the posters, banners and the round neck t-shirts. 20.2 The Ministry proposed a “Community Stay” concept where athletes from one ethnicity were to be hosted by social group of a different ethnicity. This received a mixed response from the National Federations, as the timing was too close to the Games. Hence the idea was not pursued.

21. LEISURE ACTIVITIES 21.1 Leisure Activites planned for this year were Coconut Husking, Coconut Climbing, Mat Weaving, Darts, Motor Racing and Carom Board. The aim was involve more community members as part of the FMF Fiji Games who would otherwise be mere spectators in the different sports. 21.2 Due to the poor response, only the Mat Weaving Competition was held on Friday, 27th August at the Natabua High School.

22. VOLUNTEERS 22.1 The Organising Committee provided volunteers for most of the competitions and other administrative functions. 22.2 Some sports also provided their own volunteers.

23. CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION 23.1 Certificate of Participation were given to all the registered athletes, technical officials and volunteers.

24. CONCLUSION 24.1 This year’s Games were a grand success in term of the marketing and publicity received. Also shifting the Games to Lautoka generated new interest in many minor sports and helped them develop their membership base. 24.2 There was a lot to be desired in the way the various competitions were organized.

6 24.3 A lot of work still needs to be put in to make the FMF Fiji Games more attractive and competitive so that it can become a platform for our national athletes when trying to qualify for regional and international events.

Alvin Sharma Events Manager FMF Fiji Games 2004.

7 Appendix 1

Number of Participants by Sport 2004

ATHLETES OFFICIALS TOTAL 1 Archery 18 5 23 2 Athletics 97 26 123 3 Badminton 32 8 40 4 Basketball 120 20 140 5 Beach Volleyball 44 4 48 6 Bodybuilding 25 7 32 7 Boxing 61 10 71 8 Chess 28 4 32 9 Cricket 72 9 81 10 Cycling 25 17 42 11 Golf 177 10 187 12 Hockey 132 20 152 13 Judo 63 15 78 14 Lawn Bowls 44 5 49 15 Netball 82 10 92 16 O/ Canoeing 64 5 69 17 Powerlifting 34 5 39 18 Rugby League 117 25 142 19 Rugby Union 199 7 206 20 Sailing 35 5 40 21 Shooting 11 3 14 22 Squash 36 6 42 23 Surfing 17 4 21 24 Swimming 142 18 160 25 Table Tennis 47 17 64 26 Taekwondo 36 10 46 27 Touch Rugby 110 20 130 28 Volleyball 143 23 166

TOTAL 2011 318 2329

8 Appendix 2

SPORTS WHICH DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN FMF FIJI GAMES 2004

SPORT REASON 1. Billiards & Snooker Association of Fiji Their Oceania Tournament was too close to the FMF Fiji Games. 2. Fiji Sports Association for the Disabled Could not get enough numbers to make a team though the AWD were part of the Athletics events. 3. Fiji Football Association Fiji FA scheduled an Under 20 championship. Very close to the Games it sought adjustment to the dates of the competition owing to the Fiji Secondary Schools IDC. Sports Fiji felt it would be unfair on the players to take part in two events, which were so close to each other. Since the Secondary Schools IDC was a preset tournament, the Under 20 Championship was dropped. 4. Fiji Karate – DO Federation Their Oceania Tournament was too close to the FMF Fiji Games. 5. Fiji Tennis Association Their Junior Oceania Tournament was too close to the FMF Fiji Games. 6. Fiji Triathalon Association Failed to get adequate participation. 7. Fiji Weightlifting Federation Complacency on the Federations Part

9 Appendix 3

SPORTS/ COMPETITION VENUES/ DAYS

NATIONAL FEDERATION VENUE 25/8 26/8 27/8 28/8 29/8 1. Fiji Archery Association Dominion Hotel Grounds ¥ ¥ 2. Athletics Fiji Lautoka Methodist School ¥ 3. Fiji Badminton Association Natabua High School ¥ ¥ ¥ 4. Fiji Amateur Basketball Federation Multi Purpose Courts ¥ ¥ 5. Fiji Bowling Association Nadi Sports Club ¥ ¥ ¥ 6. Fiji Women’s Bowling Association Nadi Sports Club ¥ ¥ ¥ 7. Natabua High School ¥ ¥ 8. Fiji Cricket Association Central College ¥ ¥ ¥ 9. National Golf Association of Fiji Nadi Airport Golf Course ¥ ¥ 10. Women’s Golf Fiji Nadi Airport Golf Course ¥ ¥ 11. Fiji Hockey Federation Natabua High School ¥ 12. Fiji Judo Association FMF Warehouse ¥ 13. Fiji Netball Association Multi Purpose Courts ¥ 14. Fiji Powerlifting Federation Girmit Center ¥ 15. Fiji National Rugby League Nadovu Park ¥ 16. Fiji Yachting Association Vuda Marina ¥ ¥ 17. Squash Fiji Northern Club/ Nadi ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ Sports Club 18. Fiji Surfing Association Tavarua Island Resort ¥ 19.Amateur Swimming Association of Nadi Sports Club ¥ Fiji 20. Fiji Table Tennis Association Tilak High School ¥ ¥ ¥ 21. Fiji Touch Association Nadovu Park ¥ ¥ 22. Fiji Amateur Boxing Association Girmit Center ¥ ¥ ¥ 23. Fiji Amateur Cycling Association Marine Drive ¥ ¥ ¥ 24. Fiji Outrigger Canoe Racing Nadi Bay ¥ Association 25. Churchill Park ¥ ¥ 26. Fiji Shooting Association Suva ¥ ¥ 27. Fiji Taekwondo Association FMF Warehouse ¥ 28. Fiji Volleyball Federation Nadovu Park ¥ 29. Beach Volleyball Wailoaloa Beach ¥ 30. Fiji Bodybuilding Association Kennedy Gym ¥

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