In the Olympic movement everyone is treated fairly and equally and there is no special treatment for any top athlete or team, says Team Fiji chef de mission Cathy Wong.

This was after questions were raised on whether the International Olympic Committee (IOC) provided funding for world class athletes or team when they participate at the Olympic Games. These privileges are like travelling in business class and given special access at the Games village.

It is understood that our national rugby sevens team could qualify for any such privilege because they are ranked No.1 in the world.

But Wong said: “When they come to the village everyone is treated the same, in the Olympic movement all the athletes are treated the same and only the preparation is different.”

“Everyone travels in economy class, they never travel on business class. If one wants to go on business class then it’s up to the manager to find the funds for it. There is no special treatment given to anyone in the Olympic Games village.”

Wong also explained about the Olympic Solidarity funding that is provided by IOC.

“There are two funding provided by IOC, one is the Olympic Solidarity funding and there is the Olympic scholarship funding. “The Olympic solidarity funding, all the Olympic members of the Olympic committee can apply for, it provides funds to athletes training, funds the support staff of the athlete.

“FASANOC applies for it every year, so there is a quota that goes out and all the country gets that piece of cake,” she added.

The other funding is Olympic scholarship which is given to athletes identified by individual National Olympic Committees. If the application is successful then athletes will be given scholarship to train and study abroad.

Medical check-up

Wong confirmed Team Fiji went through their medical checks in Suva yesterday where athletes received their yellow fever and malaria vaccinations.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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