Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) president Cathy Wong has emphasized the responsibility of sporting federations to prepare athletes adequately for the upcoming Mini Pacific Games, which will take place in Koror, Palau, starting June 29, 2025. Wong stated that four years is ample time for federations to ensure their athletes are ready, and highlighted that each federation must cover one-third of the costs associated with sending their athletes, while FASANOC and the Fijian government will cover the remaining two-thirds.
Wong has urged federations to meet their financial obligations, warning that failure to do so could disrupt the entire event. The total number of athletes has been adjusted from an initial 300 to 185, yet fixed charter flights mean that the full amount must still be paid regardless of the number of athletes sent. She noted that complications arising from late withdrawals could affect match schedules, which would impact all participants and disrupt the organizational logistics of the Games.
Wong assured that 99% of federations have met their financial commitments, allowing Team Fiji to compete in 12 of the 14 sports featured in the Mini Games, including archery, athletics, and weightlifting, among others. This demonstrates a strong commitment across various sports and a shared ambition to excel on an international stage.
Team Fiji’s preparations not only highlight the significant effort from the athletes and their federations but also showcase community involvement as they work together to ensure athletes are supported financially. Numerous previous articles have reflected on fundraising efforts such as the sale of lottery tickets, aiming to raise money to alleviate financial burdens on athletes.
Overall, there is an uplifting spirit within the community, showing a firm resolve to bolster Fiji’s representation in regional sports. The collaborative efforts of federations and the collective enthusiasm from the community paint a hopeful picture for Fiji as they prepare to shine at the Pacific Mini Games.
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