The Fiji National Sports Commision board have finalised and approved $2,967,193 for Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Commiitee for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games preparations.

Chairman Peter Mazey confirmed to SUNsports yesterday the breakdowns of the $5.4m which was allocated in the sports budget for major international tournaments

“The Commission board met today (yesterday) and finalised approvals for FASANOC Rio Olympic preparations and participation is $2,967,193.

“$1,948,570 is for Fiji Rugby Union (Northern Tour, U20 World Rugby Championships Preparations, Hosting Pacific Nations Cup and Pacific Rugby Cup) plus Men’s and Womens 7’s.

“Cricket U19 World Cup preparations is $284,235 and National Sporting Organisations(NSO) general overseas tours is $200,000,” Mazey stated.

Mazey also confirmed that within the FASANOC and FRU allocations a total of $ 2,336,740 is included for the men’s and women’s 7s teams.

Weightlifting Fiji have been allocated $336,992 and Fiji Swimming Federation $655,380 to host the Oceania events in May and June respectively next year the two events  serve as last chance for countries to qualify for the 2016 Olympic qualifiers.

A grant of $2m has been allocated to bring in international coaches to assist our respective national teams.

“Government in the budget approved additional operational funding for the Commission to enable a new sports development office and development staff tasked to look after the Eastern division in the same way we already have in the West, North and Central divisions.

“The budget provided additional funding to enable us to provide grants to NSO’s for Overseas Tours-$200,000, Hosting of International Tournaments – $400,000, Short Term Expert Grants – $200,000, Overseas Sports Scholarships – $200,000, Sports Outreach Programs – $200, 000,” Mazey added.

These grants will be advised at the Commision- NSO’s conference which will be held on November 28.

FASANOC president Joseph Rodan Senior was impressed budget allocation for major international tournaments allocated by government and said they would need to fundraise for more funding to cater for team Fiji in Rio.

“We are happy with what the government has given us, this is more from last year.

“We really appreciate now that the government is coming in to assist us with our Rio preparation next year even though we did not get the expected amount but we are satisfied and I guess there are a lot of commitments to be done.

“We will be working on finding sponsors to sponsor our national teams in addition to what the government has given us,” Rodan said.

Vodafone Fijian 7s head coach Ben Ryan earlier stated his appreciation on the budget allocation.

“We are thankful to government for helping us financially.

“Now money has been very tight we are going to Dubai next month, hopefully now the budget will allow us to operate our programme properly in camp and run things we would like,” Ryan added.

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