Fiji launches Olympic Values School Outreach to embed Excellence, Respect and Friendship in youth
The Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) has rolled out the Olympic Values School Outreach Program to plant the Olympic ideals—Excellence, Respect and Friendship—deep in Fiji’s younger generation. The initiative brings interactive lessons and sporting activities to schools across the Central and Western Divisions, including special schools, underscoring that these values are essential life lessons for all students.
Supported by Olympic Solidarity, the program links classroom learning with hands-on sport to show that the core Olympic Values extend far beyond elite competition. “Excellence means always striving to do your best, whether tackling a maths problem, helping at home, or running a race,” said Naomi Waqanidrola, one of the ACE Champions guiding the sessions. “Respect is about valuing yourself, treating others well, playing fair and caring for our environment. Friendship builds bridges of understanding, tolerance and support within our communities and across the world.”
FASANOC is partnering with Smash Down Barriers representatives Manasa Naqelevuki and Harvi Yee, along with ACE Champions including Adi Litia Bakaniceva, Naibili Vatunisolo, Waqanidrola and Epeli Ratabacaca, to deliver engaging outreach sessions. Students first explore the Values and the symbolism of the five interlocked Olympic rings—signifying the unity of the world’s continents and the gathering of athletes at the Games—before translating what they’ve learned into action through inclusive games such as table tennis, badminton, sack races and team relays.
The activities are crafted to put the Values into practice. Team relays nurture Friendship and cooperation, pursuing a personal best embodies Excellence, and following rules while supporting teammates demonstrates Respect. Quizzes and discussions reinforce messages about sportsmanship and healthy living, with prize giveaways adding excitement. A key focus is inclusivity, with visits like Nausori Special School ensuring that children of all abilities can participate, experience the joy of sport, and feel the unifying power of Olympic ideals.
“Through this program, we’re not just teaching the Olympic Values. We’re showing our young people how Excellence, Respect and Friendship can be lived out every day,” Waqanidrola emphasized. “By intentionally including schools with children with disabilities, we reinforce that sport is for everyone, there is no room for discrimination, and every individual is a valued part of our community. Sport has the power to unite, break down barriers and inspire peace, and we’re proud to bring that message into our schools.”
The outreach runs over a week, kicking off on Monday, August 11, at Nausori Special School and continuing to Holy Trinity School, Suva Christian School, Stella Maris School, FVTTCDP (Brown Street) and Marist Brothers, with a final stretch at St Marcellin School, Marist Champagnat School and a Paralympic-inclusive session at FNU Nasinu.
This program sits within a broader drive in Fiji to use sport as a vehicle for social impact and inclusion. It aligns with recent Fiji-wide efforts such as Olympic Day celebrations, which brought together hundreds of participants in Suva and Nadi for a day of sport, camaraderie and adaptive activities, and the ongoing push for inclusive leadership and community sports programs supported by organizations like ONOC and the Fiji National Sports Commission. These parallel efforts underscore a shared belief that Olympic values can unite communities, promote healthy living, and empower youth to lead with integrity and teamwork.
Context and value add
– The initiative complements other Fiji-led programs that emphasize inclusivity in sport, community leadership, and youth development.
– By bringing adaptive activities and inclusive participation to schools, it helps normalize sport as a universal tool for education, health and social cohesion.
– The emphasis on daily application of Excellence, Respect and Friendship aims to foster a lasting sporting culture that benefits families and communities beyond the classroom.
Summary
FASANOC’s Olympic Values School Outreach Program expands the reach of the Olympic spirit into classrooms and playgrounds, reinforcing that excellence, respect and friendship should guide how Fiji’s youth learn, play and relate to others. In parallel with Olympic Day celebrations and leadership initiatives, the campaign signals a holistic approach to building a more inclusive, active and united Fiji through sport. This broader, value-driven momentum offers a hopeful outlook for the next generation of athletes and everyday citizens alike.
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