Tuitubou, who was accompanied by Fiji National Sports Commission chairman Peter Mazey and two other officials, used the visit to study the structure and operations of the Australian Institute of Sports.

“The Government established the Fiji National Sports Commission in 2013 to promote, improve and establish a clear pathway to enhance the development of sports in Fiji,” Tuitubou said.

“The Commission was to also work towards the establishment of a Fiji National Academy of Sports which to develop elite athletes and sports in the country.

“The academy will be dedicated to support elite athletes’ development while promoting sporting excellence at national and international level of competitions.

“For elite development to progress and reach its full potential, it is imperative that an Academy of Sports is established to ensure that Fiji is up to par with the rest of the world in sports science.”

He also revealed the new Fiji National Sports Academy will include a sports science lab and testing machines for athletes.

Ley, meanwhile, promised to help Fiji develop the Academy.

“We are happy to provide the technical assistance needed on policy development,” she said.

“Policy assistance can be provided through the Australian Sports Commission in the area of water safety particularly on awareness at the early childhood level and on anti-doping in sports.”