Last week, FISU Oceania visited Fiji to further strengthen university sport opportunities and deepen engagement with the country’s growing tertiary education sector. The visit focused on supporting the Fiji University Sports Association (FUSA) to advance its strategic direction, expand participation in the FISU Healthy Campus Program, and better understand the local issues affecting students and staff across Fiji’s universities.
The delegation was led by Ms Donna Spethman, Secretary General of FISU Oceania, and Mr Martin Doulton, FISU Senior Executive Committee Member and Chair of the FISU Development Committee.
Strengthening Relationships With Fiji’s Universities
During the visit, FISU Oceania met with three major universities — Fiji National University, University of Fiji, and the University of the South Pacific — to discuss opportunities within the FISU Healthy Campus Program and the FISU Student Ambassadors initiative.
Key outcomes included:
- Fruitful discussions aimed at supporting Fiji’s universities to become official signatories to the FISU Healthy Campus Program
- A shared commitment to promoting a holistic, whole‑of‑campus approach to student wellbeing
- Valuable insights into the key issues facing students and staff, helping shape future support and programming
- Increased interest in FISU’s global leadership and development opportunities for students
Connecting directly with students was a highlight of the visit. At Fiji National University, the delegation met sports science students and toured the facilities — a meaningful moment given FISU Oceania’s awareness of the early vision for the program and the pride in seeing it now fully realised.
‘While online meetings can maintain connections our visit reinforced the value of in-person conversations to be truly able to listen and learn about the key issues driving higher education in Fiji” said Mr Doulton.
“In my capacity as FISU Chair of the Development Committee it was a real privilege to hear from students and key University staff about things that matter and in return to be able to share all the wonderful opportunities that being part of the FISU global University sport movement makes available to any student and University regardless of their geographical location.
With such enthusiasm and curiosity shown by the students and Universities in various globally credentialed FISU programs such as the Student Ambassador and Healthy Campus framework we came away with a joint commitment around ongoing support activities and regular connections for the Fijian Higher Education community to help them achieve their academic and social aspirations”.
Supporting FUSA’s Strategic Growth
A dedicated FUSA strategic workshop enabled committee members to focus on strengthening three core pillars:
- Marketing and sponsorship
- Governance and organisational development
- University relations and engagement
The passion and commitment of the FUSA committee were evident throughout the workshop. Their drive to elevate the federation’s profile and expand recognition within Fiji’s sport system continues to inspire FISU Oceania’s support.
Meeting with FUSA also provided an opportunity to share more about the international university sport movement, including pathways for Fiji students to participate in global sporting events and leadership programs.
Looking Ahead
FISU Oceania looks forward to continuing its collaboration with FUSA and Fiji’s universities. The visit reaffirmed the strong potential within the country’s university sport community and the shared ambition to create meaningful, student‑centred opportunities.
FISU Oceania remains committed to supporting Fiji as it strengthens its university sport ecosystem and builds a healthier, more connected campus environment for all.
If your company is interested in working with FISU Oceania and joining the programs we activate in the Pacific, contact us — we’d welcome the conversation.
