Former Fiji rugby sevens Olympian and Flying Fijian Isake Katonibau is advocating for national sports representatives to be recognized as workers under the upcoming Work Care Bill 2025. During a live submission to the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, he articulated the importance of acknowledging the contributions of athletes who, akin to military personnel, are formally selected, trained, and deployed under government auspices.
Katonibau highlighted the inherent risks athletes face, including injuries, without sufficient protection or inclusion in critical policy discussions. Drawing on his experience as both a national athlete and a military peacekeeper, he compared the support he receives when injured in military service with the current lack of coverage available to athletes, underscoring a significant gap in athlete welfare.
He urged policymakers to keep the bill intact but expand its definition of workers to encompass national athletes, ensuring they receive necessary protections and rights comparable to those of other workers. His appeal aligns well with broader ongoing discussions within the Fiji Rugby Union and educational institutions, which are beginning to emphasize the importance of supporting both current and former players.
In a similar vein, previous discussions by Katonibau also emphasized the necessity for educational initiatives that assist former athletes as they transition to civilian life. This reflects a growing recognition within the rugby community of the challenges faced by players after their careers, and a hope that policymakers will take decisive action to create a more supportive framework for Fiji’s sports representatives.
Such initiatives not only promise a brighter future for athletes but also symbolize a positive shift in acknowledging their sacrifices, thereby fostering a greater commitment to their ongoing welfare.
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