The Fiji Sports Council has implemented new measures for media access at all its facilities effective immediately, a decision made just a day before the Coca-Cola Games commence at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. The regulations require media personnel to present valid passes signed by acting chief executive Gilbert Vakalalabure in order to enter any Council-operated venue. This new protocol follows an incident where staff from The Fiji Times were barred from accessing the stadium for event coverage, highlighting the need for greater coordination regarding media operations.
In response to inquiries, Litia Senibulu, the Council’s operations manager, confirmed that media outlets must secure these passes to cover events occurring at sports facilities. The Council made it clear that any entity, except for recognized television broadcast partners, wishing to livestream from the venues must first receive written approval from the Council. Furthermore, all media entities are encouraged to submit expressions of interest promptly to facilitate access.
This initiative aims to improve security and coordination during the much-anticipated Coca-Cola Games, which are the largest secondary school sports event in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of quality coverage and safety for both participants and media professionals alike.
Interestingly, despite the newly imposed restrictions, videos of athletes and school officials being filmed and interviewed from within the stadium were shared on the Council’s Facebook page, suggesting a discrepancy between the enacted measures and their implementation.
The Coca-Cola Games, also known as the Fiji Finals, will showcase over 1,000 athletes training and competing, fostering school spirit and community engagement throughout the event.
In a broader context, this new regulation is part of the overall effort by the Fiji Sports Council to uphold standards in media coverage and ensure the safety of all participants during such high-profile events. With strong community engagement and media cooperation, the Games are not only set to be a competitive showcase but also a platform for fostering future athletic talents in Fiji.
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