The New Zealand Fiji Veterans Soccer Association will celebrate its 15th anniversary in January 2014.along with the annual Veterans Soccer Carnival at Mangere Centre Park Sports Complex from January 23 to 27, 2014.
Thousands of soccer enthusiasts and teams from New Zealand and other countries are expected to participate in the five-day event, paying tributes to the late Sashi Mahendra Singh and his son the late Billy Singh, the two great soccer stalwarts of Fiji.
We thank the founders of the Association for their vision and efforts as New Zealand is known for its initiatives to bring back the masters of yesteryears back on the pitch.
We stand proud to host the most prestigious tournament in the South Pacific and the success of this is the professional administrators and people.
Healthy living
The theme of this year’s Veteran Soccer Festival is ‘Healthy Living through Sports.’
I am optimistic that the 15th anniversary celebration and tournament will be memorable. With plenty of entertainment and food, this will truly be a family event.
We will have Ferris wheel, Giant Slide, Jumping Castle and other amusements for children along with games of chance.
There would be train rides and food stalls for all.
The Auckland Council has spent time and effort in preparing the pitches for the tournament to enable teams to play in a professional and world class arena.
We are proud to have HUMM 106.2 FM as our major sponsors for the second year and the relationship has brought out great comradeship between both parties.
The participating teams have signed many big names with some current Fiji district reps featuring in local teams.
We are optimistic that we will have at least 24 teams competing in the tournament.
Professional calibre
I am proud to be associated with a group of professionals who know soccer in depth and have the passion for the game that we all love.
The last 14 years has seen the Cup travel abroad seven times and New Zealand teams must prepare well to keep up with the tough competition.
Defending Champions NZ Ba must put up a tough fight against Jo Tubuna Cup Champions Rewa and the Sydney teams.
Next year will see the introduction of Golf and a clash between the NZ and Australian Over 50s teams. This will be played for the Umesh Murti Memorial Cup, donated by the Murti Family.
The Billiard Championship will continue with defending Champion Master Satyawan.
The Singh Family Annual NZFVSA Awards and Dinner Night will have the added attraction of the accompanying 15th Anniversary celebrations. Among the highlights will be entertainment with Vijay Singh and Karuna Gopalan.
Expression of Interest for all sports will close on December 24, 2013.
Ayyaz Khan is the President of the New Zealand Fiji Veterans Soccer Association and Tournament Chairman. Further details can be obtained from him on 021-399963 or from Secretary Gyan Kumar on 021-781043.
