The Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) has clarified that the $3,000 levy for participation in the upcoming Pacific Mini Games is a fee set for the sporting federations rather than a direct charge to individual athletes. Chief Executive Vanessa Kilner indicated that it is up to each federation to decide how to handle this levy, either by covering the costs themselves or by asking athletes for contributions. She emphasized that the responsibility of paying the levy ultimately resides with the federations.
Kilner noted that this arrangement is not unprecedented; athletes have previously contributed financially to their international representation. It is essential for federations to be proactive, as they are informed about international events well in advance and are encouraged to start fundraising early to meet these financial obligations. For each competitor, Team Fiji incurs a total expenditure of $15,500, out of which the $3,000 levy is a portion.
Despite the original payment deadline having been May 9, many athletes have yet to clear the levy payment, leading to a newly extended deadline until the end of this month. FASANOC issues invoices to the federations, rather than directly to the athletes, furthering community involvement in supporting athletes through fundraising efforts.
The context of this levy comes amid broader discussions regarding financial burdens on athletes, as echoed in the concerns raised by various sports federations in Fiji. For instance, some federations, such as Athletics Fiji, are resorting to innovative fundraising strategies, including selling lottery tickets to help cover these costs and ensure their athletes can participate in the Mini Games. These initiatives not only reflect the financial challenges faced by athletes but also highlight the unity and resilience within the community to support their representatives.
In light of these developments, Kilner’s statements resonate with the ongoing efforts across the sporting community in Fiji to rally together. The proactive nature of fundraising campaigns indicates a constructive and hopeful approach to ensuring that all athletes can participate without undue financial strain. As Fiji prepares for the Pacific Mini Games scheduled from June 29 to July 9, 2025, the collective efforts from federations and the community showcase a strong commitment to enhancing Fiji’s presence in international sports.
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