Congratulations to all athletes who will represent Team Fiji at the Olympic Games in Brazil next month.

Whether they qualify by merit or universality place (wildcard) they will all return as Olympians after competing in the four-yearly global showpiece.

The 2016 Rio Olympics is quite special to Fiji since we first participated at the 1956 Olympics Games in Melbourne.

Not only we will be sending the biggest contingent ever with 89 athletes and officials in 10 different disciplines to the 31st Olympiad, we have a good chance of winning a medal.

Our best bet is on our Vodafone Fijian 7s team, defending World Sevens Series champions for two years-in-a-row.

And while the athletes have done the hard yards to earn their spot, we should acknowledge the financial contribution made by individuals, corporate organisations and Government for being supportive of the ‘Road To Gold’ campaign.

The Government, through the Fijian National Sports Commission, has led the drive from the start.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was the chief guest when he launched the Team Fiji uniform in the morning and again as the president of the Fiji Rugby Union, announced the Vodafone Fijian 7s and Telecom Fijiana teams in the evening the Grand Pacific Hotel.

“Sports and athletic competition are integral parts of our national life in Fiji,” Bainimarama said.

“They inspire a spirit of unity and camaraderie that extends into our homes, schools and places of work. They inspire our young people, not only to get active and participate in sports themselves but to conduct themselves with dignity in victory or in defeat.”

Osea Bola

Feedback:  oseab@fijisun.com.fj