Weightlifting Fiji calls for merit-based funding

Weightlifting Fiji is calling for increase of funding to be a result-merit basis allocation for sports organisations.

This was in response to the Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru’s bid for more funding for sporting bodies during an interview with SUNsports last month.

Weightlifting Fiji head coach Henry Elder said even though past year allocations were received, it was not enough to pay for expenses.

“We are a non-profit organisation,” he said.

“Our athletes sacrifice to represent Fiji on the world stage, yet we come back with results and medals.”

Elder said even athletes did not receive allowances.

“We might be a minor sport, but we push our levels high.

“In the Commonwealth and World Junior, we are ranked up there,” he stated.

Elder said apart from rugby, our weightlifting team is ranked high in the world.

“Money should be given where results are.

“We produce results, the athletes should be rewarded and also the team as a whole.

“To be ranked among the best in the world is an achievement; to break records is an achievement; to come back with medals is an achievement,” he added.

Elder said there had not been a time where a Fijian athlete had won three gold medals at a World Championship.

This was the achievements of 16-yearold lifter Nehemiah Elder who won three gold medals in the Men’s 89kg Youth division in Lima, Peru.

He swept the snatch (152kg), clean and jerk (180kg), and total (332kg), breaking his own personal bests by 15kg.

“150 countries attended this Championship.

“To achieve a result such as this, for a socalled minor sport; there’s no financial or rewards to push these athletes forward to do more,” he said.

Offers received to switch allegiance

Elder said during the World Championship, they received offers from Arabic countries to change allegiance for the upcoming Olympics.

“We said no. I wanted my son (Nehemiah) to represent Fiji,” he said.

Elder asked what was Fiji doing for them in return.

“We’ve struggled so much with funding.

“But when we achieve something at the highest level; there’s no reward,” Elder added.

He said if something that will motivate the lifters is these rewards for their achievements.

“We represent Fiji with pride; we sing the national anthem with tears.

“But, what has Fiji done for us with our achievements?,” he said.

Elder added the team can win medals in the Olympics without a doubt, but a financial boost would be vital to achieve a bigger and better result.

“Taniela Rainibogi is the number one lifter in the Commonwealth, and yet there is no recognition or reward for his achievement.

“What can we do to secure the services of our champion lifters?,” he said.

Elder revealed that the team has been told to lift their performance standards despite having financial constraints.

“We envy big sports like rugby, rugby league.

“We see what the athletes get; even allowances,” he said.

Elder added when money received was not enough, the team had to source out

funds from their own pockets to cover.

“Everyone in our organisation are volunteers.

“It is very difficult to find people to come in and help out as they are full-time working people,” he said.

Elder added they will wait and see what will transpire from the Minister’s bid but will commence training for the next upcoming competitions.