Australia will continue support of Fiji disability sports

From the Fiji Daily Post August 8:

Australian High Commissioner James Batley announced August 7 that he was pleased to be a strong supporter of sports for the disabled in Fiji.

Speaking at the opening of the Central/Eastern Regional Games for the Disabled in Suva Batley said that he was happy that the Fiji Paralympic Association would continue to receive support from the Australia Sports Commission through 2011. However, Batley also praised the Fiji Paralympic Association (formerly known as the Fiji Sports Association for the Disabled) for its efforts to promote sports for people with disabilities.

Referring to the close relationship that had developed between the Fiji Paralympic Association (FPA) and the Australian Sports Commission since 2005, Batley said this had resulted in improved planning, coaching resources and sports equipment, and had allowed for the appointment of a full-time Sports Development Officer.

“I’m pleased to say that the Fiji Paralympic Association will continue to receive support from the Australian Sports Commission through to July 2011,” Batley said.

He said work had now commenced to develop a comprehensive Disability Strategy as part of Australia’s aid programme.

“The aim of the strategy would be to ensure that people with disabilities benefited from all of Australia’s development programs,” added Batley.

He said in Fiji, consultations on draft Disability Strategy were being facilitated by AusAID and the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons.

Batley concluded the results from the Fiji consultations would represent an important contribution towards the final Disability Strategy which would be launched in Australia on December 3, International Day for Persons with Disabilities.