The Fiji Sports Council (FSC) and the Unit Trust of Fiji (UTOF) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at improving sporting facilities across the country.
This collaboration, cemented through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a significant advancement in enhancing Fiji’s sports infrastructure.
The partnership is driven by a shared vision to elevate sporting facilities and create a lasting impact for Fijians.
UTOF Chair, Lavinia Kaumaitotoya, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting that their financial resources would now be deployed to develop sports-related facilities nationwide, benefiting athletes and communities alike.
“This partnership allows us to channel UTOF’s financial strength toward creating world-class sporting facilities accessible to all Fijians,” said Kaumaitotoya.
FSC Chairman, Gilbert Vakalalabure, praised UTOF for understanding and embracing the Council’s vision, noting that the strong partnership between the organizations would turn the Council’s shared vision into a tangible reality.
The MoU enables both parties to evaluate each property’s unique characteristics and explore development possibilities. By combining FSC’s expertise in sports management with UTOF’s financial acumen, the partnership aims to solidify property development plans.
This collaboration is based on a lease-to-develop arrangement, with 11 potential sites including the Suva Lawn Tennis Courts, Vodafone Arena Car Park Lots, HFC Bank Stadium back grounds, National Sailing Center at Suva Point, Narauyaba (Ra) Sports Grounds, Lautoka Regional Tennis Courts, and Veivadravadra Lot in Sigatoka, among others.
Kaumaitotoya added that UTOF would be transforming the identified sites into state-of-the-art sports facilities with mixed-use development.
“We believe that this renewed relationship will bring immense benefits to the people of Fiji by enhancing and developing sporting facilities that are essential for promoting wellness and combating non-communicable diseases,” said Kaumaitotoya.
“The impact of such development is far-reaching, providing communities with the infrastructure needed to engage in physical activities, fostering a healthier lifestyle, and nurturing local talents.”
“We are truly excited to embark on this journey and are committed to developing these facilities to the highest international standards.”
“UTOF is dedicated to delivering quality projects that not only meet but exceed expectations. Together with the Fiji Sports Council, we are paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for all Fijians,” concluded Kaumaitotoya.