Fijian Minister of Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou has today urged all regional sporting bodies to unite in fighting sports corruption in the Oceania region.
He made the comments at the opening of the UNESCO and ONOC Sports and Sustainable Development Workshop in Suva this morning.
Tuitubou says the Fijian government has already started work in the country and working with its counterparts around the region to take sports to new heights.
“As soon as the integrity of the sports achievement is called into question, we have seen time and again, how quickly fair and honest competition runs into danger when rules are brokens systematically or intentionally. When there are manipulation attempts, drug use or corruption, this all causes serious damage to the wonderful image of sports and undermines the very value which sports represents.”
Meanwhile, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach arrives tonight.
He will be holding meetings in Suva tomorrow and also attend the ONOC General Assembly on Saturday in the capital.
