The Just Play Emergency Progamme reaches 10,000 children

More than 10,000 children in Fiji were reached by "The Just Play Emergency Programme" across twelve of the most affected areas of Fiji after surviving the horrors of Cyclone Winston. Many of the areas are still severely affected seven months on.

This is according to UNICEF and the Oceania Football Confederation who wrapped up six months of child oriented relief work in Fiji over the weekend.

The Just Play Emergency Programme initiative promoted emotional well-being through sports and helped children learn and practice good hygiene, healthy eating, emergency preparedness and other life skills.

UNICEF's Pacific representative Sheldon Yett said it also provided a space for Children to safely share and reflect on the emotional impact that Cyclone Winston had on them.

"Talking to one child she was very very open about the impact of just seeing her family disappear. Her housing and her belongings just disappear out the door. And kids remember that, the psychological impact of huge events like this remain long after the event itself. Falls off the front pages."

While the official programme has ended more than 385 volunteers trained as coaches over last six months will continue to work with children in their communities.

The Just Play Emergency Programme was recently shortlisted for the Beyond Sport Innovation Award, with the winners due to be announced on October 19, this year in London, England.