Samoan Fila Fuamatu is one of a select group of scholars from Oceania and Asia who has been recognised in the prestigious Endeavour Awards. The Awards were established by the Australian Government as an internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship program to provide opportunities for study, research or professional development.

Fila's 2010 Endeavour Award will give her the opportunity to spend the next four months studying Australian Sports Commission (ASC) sport program delivery practices and systems at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

Fila works for the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture in Samoa and has been instrumental in developing the Fiafia program, which aims to increase the participation of primary school-aged children in physical activity. She grew up in a family and community where sport was a way of encouraging unity and friendship.

'I have seen how sport can benefit people physically, socially and mentally,' said Fila. 'I am committed to providing all children with the opportunity to participate in regular sports programs, regardless of age, ability or gender. Our sports programs train teachers in schools and communities to reach this goal.'

The Fiafia program adapted resources and methodologies from the ASC's Active After-school Communities (AASC) program to train teachers to deliver Fiafia teaching methods. Fila is enthusiastic about the value she will add returning to Samoa with her new skill base and experiences with the ASC.

'This opportunity will help me to build a professional network, as well as to develop my skills in monitoring, evaluation, and resource and policy development,' said Fila.

AASC program regional manager Gabe Hodges has supported Fila's placement from the beginning.

'We have worked to ensure that the ASC is fully supportive of Fila in reaching the goals of her Endeavour Award,' Gabe said. 'Fila will have the opportunity to experience different areas of the ASC, including International Relations, Women and Sport, and AASC.'

The Fiafia program is supported by the Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP). ASOP is a joint initiative between AusAID and the ASC that works with government and non-government organisations in developing countries to increase their capacity to deliver inclusive sports-based programs that contribute to strengthening communities.