THE Global School Based Student Health Survey conducted by the World Health Organization in 2016 estimated that only 19.2 per cent of students aged 13-15 years in Fiji reported they were physically active at least 60 minutes a day within a seven-day period.
This was highlighted by President Jioji Konrote during the Pacific Research Symposium on Sport and Sustainable Development at the University of the South Pacific last week.
“Notably the same survey highlighted that the level of physical activity among female students in Fiji and across all surveyed Pacific Island countries and territories was lower than their male counterparts,” he said.
Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou said children, young and old people benefitted tremendously from physical activity.
“Combined with a school curriculum, physical activity and sport are necessary for a comprehensive education like the Sustainable Development Goal four which ensures inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning,” Mr Tuitubou said.
“Sport provides lifelong learning and a form of education for children who cannot attend school. By taking part in sport and physical activities alongside school, students are exposed to sports’ key values including teamwork, fair play, respect of the rules and others, co-operation, discipline and tolerance.
“Sport in its most basic form encourages balanced participation and had the capacity to promote gender equality with Sustainable Development Goal five which is achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls,” he said.
Sport contributes to wellbeing regardless of age, gender or ethnicity and is enjoyed by all and its reach is unrivalled.
