Sport in Fiji is making significant strides beyond just building athletic skills; it is becoming a vital tool for community bonding, promoting equality, and offering safe spaces where children and families can flourish. Thanks to the Australian Government’s Team Up program, a collaborative initiative between Australia and Fiji, young people are gaining valuable opportunities both on and off the playing field.
At the core of the Team Up initiative is collaboration among various stakeholders, including national sports organizations, local governmental ministries, and community groups. This collective effort focuses on inclusion, respect, gender equality, and safeguarding, ensuring that sports are safe, accessible, and welcoming to all.
The impact of Australia’s investment in the program is evident. From 2021 to 2025, Team Up has made remarkable progress, with over 124,700 primary-aged children participating in sporting activities, nearly half of whom are girls. Additionally, over 3,700 individuals with disabilities have also engaged in sports, and 2,807 teachers, coaches, and community leaders have received training to promote safe, inclusive sports environments.
Team Up in Fiji consists of six sport-for-development programs executed through partnerships with 19 local, regional, and international organizations. These efforts are reinforced by the commitment to ensure that sports are accessible to all demographics, generating a real sense of community.
Highlighting the positive outcomes from these programs, Basketball for Good has successfully implemented a 10-week Hoops for Equality pilot program that engaged 267 participants to foster gender equality through basketball. Cricket for Good has reached a remarkable 33,120 primary school students, with the inclusion of 51 percent girls. The Get into Rugby PLUS program reported a remarkable increase in participation from persons with disabilities, doubling their numbers in just six months. Moreover, Just Play has achieved a substantial retention of 78 percent of women coaches, strengthening female leadership in sports.
Overall, these initiatives illustrate a robust partnership between Australia and Fiji, highlighting their shared vision of utilizing sports as a means to uplift and unite communities. By focusing on equality, inclusion, and empowering the younger generation, sport is helping to forge more connected and resilient communities in Fiji. With ongoing commitment and collaboration, the future looks promising for fostering positive change through sports.
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