Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) president Joe Rodan Sr is calling on theNational Federations to get all 2016 Rio Olympics fundraising sanctioned.

With eight months left until the Rio games, Rodan is urging national sporting federations to do the right thing.

“We don’t mind national sporting bodies fundraising, but they have got to be very careful and clarify what they are going to do because you just can’t use the Olympic rings, ‘Road to Rio’, or other terminology that implies the Olympics.

“So for anyone to do fundraising for the Olympic Games, they will need to clarify with FASANOC,” Rodan said.

Rodan also stated that corporate companies can only use the Olympic Rings if they become major sponsors for FASANOC.

“The Olympic Games is not like any other tournaments. No sporting organisations can just come and use the logo and fundraise for the games. You got to be careful.

“Individuals can do fundraising but under this contract, they got to be very careful, whatever fundraising you do (for the Rio Olympics), should be sanctioned by FASANOC.”

Rodan also confirmed when corporate houses become sponsors only then can they use athletes to promote their brand during this Olympic campaign.

“We have already did presentations to six corporate sponsors as we are looking at six major gold sponsors.”

Road to Gold fundraising
The fundraising drive for rugby has kicked off with a group spearheading the ‘Road to Gold’ fundraising campaign.

The campaign was launched in Suva last week.

Rodan confirmed FASANOC should be expecting some kind of payment from the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU).

“I don’t see any problem if FRU gives us a certain percentage like a commission or royalty.

“When I spoke to FRU Chairman Francis Kean, I did mention it. Your body needs to agree on paying a certain amount to FASANOC.

“So whether that has been agreed upon or no, I’m not sure. This is something we will discuss again.”

FRU acting chief executive officer Berlin Kafoa said they have gotten approval from FASANOC regarding the Road to Gold campaign.

“Our chairman had sat with Rodan before the launch of the fundraising drive and have discussed on the terminologies. Both parties have agreed on Road to Gold.

“We have followed proper channels to prevent any conflicts, but on the fee, it is still unclear, but we will have to discuss,” Kafoa said.

Feedback:anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj