The town of Ba in Fiji will acquire added colour and festive look as the Ba Football Association marks its 75th Anniversary later this month.
Even as visitors take in the ‘Welcome to the Soccer Crazy Town of Ba,’ sign that greets them now, the people of this industrious city in general and soccer enthusiasts in particular, are putting together a series of events that will go down in history as one of the most memorable events of the 21st Century.
It is to the credit of soccer and its promoters that the Ba Football Association was established in 1938, a year before Ba was officially declared as a Town.
Experts say that Ba has seen consistently produced successful soccer players and that the Association has an unbeaten record of achievements.
As well as commercial organisations, clubs, social groups and individuals will their weight behind the Ba Football Association and support its extensively thought-out plans.
The Management Board of the Association has put together a Platinum Jubilee Programme, inviting current and past players, officials, veterans, well-wishers and supporters to participate in the related activities.
The Association has formed a Special Organising Committee to conduct various activities in connection with the Jubilee.
Uniting Fiji Through Sports is the main theme of the celebrations at Ba Gujarati Grounds.
Festivities are scheduled to be held from July 30 to August 7.
However, a week prior to the start of the festival (on July 23), the ‘Platinum Flame’ will be lit at the FSC Ground.
Carnival & Fun
According to Praveen Bala, Chairman of the Platinum Jubilee Carnival, the Platinum Torch Relay will cover Primary and Secondary Schools in Ba, at most of which there would formal reception and anniversary ceremony.
“Ba has made its mark in Soccer and we would like all citizens and residents to be a part of the celebrations and be with us while history is made in Fiji,” he said.
He said ‘Ba History’ Book, paying tribute to the legacy of soccer in the city would be launched at the festival.
“The Book would pay homage to past and living heroes of Soccer – people who have inspired us with their proficiency in the game and lifted the name of Ba worldwide,” he said.
The Club would also host Miss Ba Platinum 2010, Miss Platinum Charity 2010 and Miss Ba Platinum Friendship 2010 contests during the weeklong celebrations.
The Association will publish a Platinum Jubilee Souvenir, incorporating the progress made over the past 75 years, along with major milestones reached. Illustrated with statistics and photographs, this publication is expected to be a collector’s item.
Those keen on contributing articles and other pieces, should do so before July 9.
Medals of Honour
Mr Bala said the Association would recognise and reward soccer veterans, players, coaches, officials, administration personnel and others who had contributed to the promotion of soccer in Ba with Platinum Jubilee medals.
“We would like soccer to continue as a great game, bringing into its fold young and enthusiastic players and others. It is towards this objective that we would be launching the ‘Youth Development Plan’ during the celebrations,” he said.
Ba Day
According to Mr Bala, Saturday, August 7, 2010 has been declared Ba Day to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of the Association.
He appealed to all soccer players, coaches, officials, fans and supporters to be attired in Black and participate in the Float that will in procession from Total Service Station (Suva End) to Ba Gujarati Grounds.
Float & Carnival
There would be ten floats Clubs association with Ba Football Association, representing Ba Women, Battle of Giants (BOG), CVC, Fiji FACT, Girmit, Inter-District Competition (IDC), National League, North West, O- League and Secondary Schools.
Mr Bala said 75 years have seen Ba achieve many significant developments.
“It has brought glory, name and fame to the soccer-crazy town of Fiji, producing players for the National Team and earning the title of ‘Football Capital of Fiji.’
“The Flag of Ba has flown in almost all soccer tournaments held in the country for the past 75 years. Soccer defines Ba like Sevens Rugby defines Fiji,” he said.
Further details can be obtained from Mr Bala on 00679-9929438;
Email: praveenbala10@gmail.com or from Rishi Kumar on 00679-9995540.
Email: rishikumar@connect.com.fj or on Mobile: 9995540.
New Zealand residents may contact Shalendra Goundar on (09) 2782121 or 0274-375330.
