Team Fiji is gearing up for the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, scheduled from June 29 to July 9, with a budget set at $3.5 million. This announcement was made by Chef de Mission Josaia Tuinamata, who expressed gratitude for the support from various sporting bodies and the Government.
To help finance their participation, Team Fiji has initiated a fundraising effort through the sale of lottery books priced at $2 each, with each book containing 15 leaves. The goal is to raise $135,000, and Tuinamata is encouraging all national federations to purchase these books, which are available at Olympic House. He noted that this fundraising is supplementing the levies paid by some federations to support their athletes.
Team Fiji will compete in 12 of the 14 sports, with over 100 athletes represented across events including archery, athletics, baseball, basketball (3×3), beach volleyball, indoor women’s volleyball, para-athletics, para-table tennis, triathlon, swimming, va’a, and weightlifting. Each athlete has a levy of $3,000, and the final team list is expected to be announced next week.
Tuinamata clarified that the recent Fiji Finals were not held as selection trials for the Mini Games, as deadlines set by the Games Committee had already been met.
Anna from Team Fiji will depart on a charter flight to Palau on June 27 and will be accommodated at Mindszenty High School during the games. This extensive preparation highlights the commitment of the athletes and their federations as they aim for success at this significant international event.
Similar initiatives can be seen in other sporting disciplines across Fiji, reinforcing a collective ambition to excel at the Pacific Mini Games. The community’s support and the dedication of these athletes embody hope for a strong performance, with expectations for Fiji to bolster its recognition in the regional sports arena.
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