It is very crucial for any sporting federation to have an efficient financial backing prior, to the actual competition, says Athletics Fiji president Joe Rodan Snr. Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Rodan said a total of $65,000 was raised to cover up for the levies of the athletes and officials.

“It cost Athletics Fiji, a total of $55,000 in total to pay for the levies while an additional $10,000 to assist in the preparations and buying of competition uniforms and other general expenses,” the former 400- metre champion said.

“And this was only made possible through the current executives of the association. It is very important to have the right people as executives who can actually go out and raise the money or rather get in sponsors.

“From past experience what I have witnessed with other sporting bodies is that they can have the expertise among their coaches and athletes but they don’t have proper financial backing. That results in them not being able to pay for their expenses. So, this clearly indicates that money speaks.

“For instance Volleyball Fiji had to pull out in the last minute despite being ranked top in the Oceania since they are not able to pay their levies on time.”

Rodan also highlighted preparations are on par for the side as they are confident of winning 12 gold medals at the Pacific Games.

“There are 26 athletes and seven officials going for the Pacific Games.

“Preparations are looking great for the side as team selection was based on A-grade qualification. Most of our athletes have achieved the A-grade standard while some that achieved the B-grade standard are the ones that are ranked top in their respective events.

“Apart from that the remaining athletes that don’t qualify to participate in the team relay events. I can be rest assured that our strengthens are in the sprints, middle distance and a few field events as we are looking forward to winning at least 12 gold medals.

“But generally speaking all our athletes have the potential in them to win medals since our selection criteria were based on gold medal time qualification.”

Meanwhile, Athletics Fiji will be sending eight athletes to compete at the 2019 Oceania Championship in Gold Coast, Australia next week.

“They will return and compete at a grand prix in Lautoka before flying over to Samoa for the Games.”

The athletes are Pacific sprint king Banuve Tabakaucoro, high jumper Malaki Kaiwalu, Shawntell Lockington, Kameli Sauduadua, Petero Veitaqomaki, Mustafa Fall, Ana Kaloucava and Vilimaina Naituku.

Edited by  Leone Cabenatabua

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