Fiji has announced its intention to host the 2031 Pacific Games, as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka revealed during the Fiji Sports Awards in Suva this evening.
The bid, submitted through the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC), will be presented in Palau next month.
Speaking to a crowd of athletes, sports officials, and distinguished guests, Rabuka expressed confidence in Fiji’s chances of winning the bid.
“This is a bold step, and I have every confidence that we will succeed in bringing this prestigious event to our shores,” Rabuka said.
Fiji last hosted the Pacific Games in 2003. If it is successful in its bid, it will be Fiji’s fourth time hosting the regional tournament.
This announcement comes after a busy year for Fijian sports, with the nation participating in various international events including the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, the Rugby World Cup in France, and the Netball World Cup in South Africa.
The Prime Minister also hailed the effort of the Fijian Rugby 7s team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where they won a silver medal. He praised the team not only for their performance but also for their heartfelt singing of hymns, which captured the hearts of many around the world.
“One of the most memorable moments at the Paris 2024 Olympics was when our athletes sang hymns, capturing the hearts of other athletes and many more around the world. This display of our unique culture and identity on the global stage reminds us that sports is not just about the competition; they allow us to show the world our culture and our national identity,” Rabuka said.
Looking ahead, Rabuka called for a strategic focus on the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032, urging sports leaders, coaches, and athletes to start preparing now.
“The time to act is now,” he said. “I urge our Sports Leaders, Coaches and Athletes to seize this opportunity and commit to making the upcoming Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games a crucial stepping stone for an exceptional showing at Brisbane 2032.”
Rabuka also highlighted Fiji’s commitment to inclusivity, mentioning the three first-time Paralympians who are currently representing Fiji at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, as well as the national Women’s U20 Football team competing in the U20 FIFA World Cup. He praised their efforts and encouraged support for these athletes as they represent Fiji on the world stage.
