by Kiwiana Ngabung – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Attending the Pacific Islands Forum in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, announced that his government will fund a multi million dollar programme for children’s sport in Pacific island countries.
The New Zealand government will put in NZ$10 million to get more children in the Pacific playing sport.
“We’re doing so for a couple of reasons, firstly because we know that sport is very important, we want youngsters to have their time used wisely including all the lessons that they do from sport, but also ensuring that the young boys and girls of the Pacific are active,” Key said.
“We want to work with Pacific governments and local sports bodies to promote active lifestyles and ensure young Pacific sportspeople have every opportunity to participate and make the most of their talents.”
The five-year programme will initially focus on netball and rugby in Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, and some of New Zealand’s sport stars will be involved.
Key said there is potential for more sports to be included, and other Pacific countries to be involved.
This is positive news, after the World Health Organisation released figures showing nine out of ten countries in the Pacific being obese, with Cook Islands on top.
“In New Zealand we have recognised that encouraging active lifestyles and promoting sport at a young age is an important part of addressing the rise of childhood obesity and associated heath issues.”
