“We are happy to support women who take on activities traditionally undertaken by men as that is where the real excitement is nowadays” she said.
The University of Fiji staff and students cheer the Young Kulas in their first game against the Kiwis at the HFC Stadium. (Photo taken by Shaniyah Khan of the Journalism and Media Studies Programme University of Fiji).
The University of Fiji turned out in full force with its University flag flying to support Fiji’s Young Kulas in their opening OFC Under-19 Women’s Championship match at the HFC Stadium on Thursday evening.
Encouraged by the skills of the Young Kulas on the field, the University will be forming its own Women’s Soccer Team as part of its plan to encourage well-being through sports.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem said that the University was pleased to go to the stadium with the University of Fiji flag flying high to support the Young Kulas when the Captain and her team asked for fans to turn up in numbers as they took the field for their opening OFC Under-19 match against New Zealand.
“We are happy to support women who take on activities traditionally undertaken by men as that is where the real excitement is nowadays” she said.
As a University with a big female contingent among its staff and students it is appropriate that young women are fully supported in both words and deeds when they break the gender barrier despite the challenges, Professor Shameem said.
The University’s Journalism and Media Studies student Shaniyah Khan was able to speak to the father of the Young Kula’s lone overseas player, Priya Singh, who is a biology student at the University of California.
Mr Dinesh Singh told the University of Fiji that his daughter was excited to play for the Fiji Kulas as she and the family remained proud Fijians despite living in the United States.
Priya Singh was pleased to have the University of Fiji turn out to support the Young Kulas and asked for a UniFiji flag to take back with her for her room at the University of California. The University will present the flag to her after the tournament.
While the Young Kulas did not win their first match, nevertheless they gave a robust performance and this encouraged the University to facilitate a University of Fiji women’s soccer team.
The University was also looking at ways to support Fiji’s Young Kulas more in the future, Professor Shameem said.
Source: University of Fiji
