In a major advancement for sports development in Fiji, the Kaiviti Silktails and Lautoka City Council have forged a historic partnership to create the KR Naidu / Silktails High Performance Gym at Ground 3 – Churchill Park. This initiative highlights the club’s dedication to not only elevating its players but also promoting athletic excellence within the broader community.
Since the Kaiviti Silktails’ inception in 2020, Lautoka has been an essential partner in their journey. The club celebrated its first-ever match at Churchill Park, setting a strong foundation for a fruitful relationship with the local community. Over the past five years, the Silktails have made noteworthy contributions, hosting more than 30 matches in Lautoka and providing a platform for Fijian players to compete against elite teams, including 13 from the NRL.
The establishment of the High Performance Gym marks a pivotal milestone in the club’s development, aiming to offer a cutting-edge training facility for athletes. With the signing of a ten-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), plans are in progress for the construction and installation of this gym at the eastern end of Ground 3, situated near the prominent Basketball and Netball Courts.
This gym will become the official training ground for the Kaiviti Silktails, enhancing their training capabilities as they prepare to expand their programs with the introduction of Under 19 teams in 2026 and Under 17 teams in 2027. Additionally, it will be available for local, national, and international sporting teams, reinforcing the gym’s role as a central hub for athlete development and community involvement.
The partnership with Lautoka City Council not only facilitates the creation of this facility but also emphasizes a collaborative effort to position Lautoka as a premier sports destination in Fiji. Shalend Singh, Head of Services for the Lautoka City Council, remarked, “This aligns with the council’s vision to enhance sports tourism and boost the economy of Lautoka, while also promoting health and wellness benefits for the city.” The gym will offer several significant benefits:
- The right for LCC to rent out the gymnasium to local, national, and international sporting teams.
- The display of LCC branding on Silktails training facilities.
- Promotion of this partnership through social media and on the Silktails’ website.
- Free access for LCC staff to Silktails games and related events to strengthen community ties.
- Opportunities for promotional appearances featuring Silktails players and ambassadors.
With the backing of KR Naidu Group Pty Ltd, the naming rights sponsors for the gym, and Mac Mark Constructions, which will oversee its construction, this project has garnered essential support. Other key stakeholders include Pacific Facility Services, Agilis CA, Desire Logistics, and the club’s major partners: Pacific Aus Sports, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Fiji Airways, the NSWRL, the Canterbury Bulldogs, Cougar Sports, Altus Traffic, and McDonald’s Fiji.
As the KR Naidu / Silktails High Performance Gym comes to fruition, it represents more than just a training facility; it embodies a commitment to nurturing Fiji’s next generation of athletes. By providing state-of-the-art resources and fostering a culture of excellence, the Kaiviti Silktails are laying the groundwork for future achievements, both on and off the field. This gym will not only support the Silktails but will also serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring athletes throughout the region.
