Article extracted from the Fiji Chinese Embassy Website:
http://fj.china-embassy.org/eng/xwdt/t847667.htm
After the successful Chinese Taichi Coaching Program in Fiji last year, the “2011 Chinese Wushu Coaching Programme” was officially launched on 10th August. The Chinese Ambassador H.E. Mr. Huang Yong, Mrs Makereta Sauturaga, Director of Youth and Sports, Mr. John Fox, Commander of Fiji Navy, Mr Ravi Narayan, Assistant Police Commissioner together with nearly 300 learners from Fiji disciplinary forces attended the ceremony.
In his brief remarks, Ambassador Huang said that Chinese Wushu, which is an important part of the traditional Chinese culture, is not only a form of sports but also an expression of ancient philosophy of China. By learning and practicing Wushu can help to build up physical strength, willpower, skills, and enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of China and Fiji. He spoke highly of the frequent culture exchanges between China and Fiji that has effectively shortened the distance between the two peoples and promoted the cooperation in achieving a better life. He wished the “2011 Chinese Wushu Coaching Programme” in Fiji a great success.
Mrs Makereta Sauturaga expressed her warm welcome to Prof. Yu Deqiao, a senior Wushu coach from the Wuhan Sports University of China, and pointed out that the ceremony was a result of close work between the Chinese Government and the Fijian Government to continue with the Wushu coaching programme which began last year. She was confident that the initiative would help to promote mutual-understanding and friendship between the people of China and Fiji. She also encouraged the sports organizations, clubs, athletes, general public and even the rugby boys preparing for the Rugby world cup to come forward and make use of this opportunity to learn Wushu.
About 300 learners from the Fiji Police, Navy, Land force and the Correction Services of Fiji participated in the launching ceremony and the first session. Some learners who had learned Wushu before gave a wonderful performance in the ceremony and won a large applause.
The “2011 Chinese Wushu Coaching Programme” is a culture exchange program promoted and materialized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and the department of Youth and Sports of Fiji government. The public can join the teaching course every Saturday morning from 9:00-11:00 at the Ratu Sakura Park. The programme is expected to last about 3 months.