Tabwewa Village hall on Rabi Island was abuzz with activity on Tuesday as youths from all over Rabi Island gathered to witness the Minister for Youth and Sports, Laisenia Tuitubou, handover much needed gym equipment which costs around $1600
Speaking to the young leaders while handing over the sporting equipment, Tuitubou emphasized the importance of participating in physical activity to help curb the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
“This sports equipment is being brought to the island for young people and all members of the community to utilise and to make full use of it as we hope to curb the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the country,” he said.
Minister Tuitubou also reminded youths to make the right lifestyle choices as this would complement their physical activity through active use of the gym equipment. He also encouraged them to do cardio exercise and to involve young women and all members of the community.
“Make the right lifestyle choices by opting for the healthier alternatives because diet and physical activity go hand in hand with each other because NCDs are a leading cause of death in our country,” said the Youth and Sports Minister.
Tuitubou also urged youths to work harder to achieve their goals and challenged the sporting talents among them to pursue sports as a source of income adding that it was important for youth clubs on the island to work closely with Government officials to elevate youth success in all areas.
Rabi Youth Worker, Benieri Nakarua, who spoke on behalf of youths on the island, lauded the Ministry’s provision of gym equipment as it had been requested by the young people of Rabi for a long time.
“We have been asking for some sort of sporting assistance like gym equipment for a long time because most of our young men here also have that passion for contact sports like rugby and we are confident that through this assistance, we will be able to also represent our island in local tournaments,” he said.
“We are truly grateful for this assistance and I can attest that our young people will surely make good use of it,” said Nakarua.