MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Australia's gift to Tuvalu for its 25th anniversary celebrations
is $300,000 towards a new sports field, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign
Affairs, Mrs Chris Gallus, said from Funafuti today.
'Australia's contribution will provide facilities for sports such as soccer,
rugby and athletics, and build on a surge of national pride from recent success
by Tuvalu at the 2003 South Pacific Games,' Mrs Gallus said.
Mrs Gallus' announcement today of Australia's gift, at the celebrations in
the capital Funafuti to mark the 25th Anniversary of Tuvalu's
independence, was enthusiastically received.
'The gift will ensure young people will have a chance to compete on the
international stage,' Mrs Gallus said.
'I think recent sporting success by Tuvalu at the Games, including a victory
over arch-rival Kiribati in soccer, has sparked a lot of national interest and
enthusiasm, especially among the young people.'
'The new facilities will help develop sporting talent and improve public
health.'
'Tuvalu is facing increased risk from lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes,
which can be reduced by exercise,' Mrs Gallus said.
'Providing a useful social and physical outlet for young people will also
help address the concerns of the Government of Tuvalu about youth
unemployment.'
'The project will be co-financed by Australia and Tuvalu, and is part of the
Australian Government's initiative to support sports development in the South
Pacific and improve sporting skills and participation in the region.'
'This year the Australian Government is contributing almost $4 million in aid
to the nation of 10,000 people to strengthen the island's skill base and help
manage their resources efficiently,' Mrs Gallus said.
Media contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Office of Mrs Gallus) 0408 680 442 or 02 6277
4840
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804
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