Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru assures that funds are available to reward all athletes who achieve a podium finish at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The Fiji 7s team is set to receive a cash prize of $20,000 for each player, as well as coaches and management, for winning silver in Paris.
Before the Olympics, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka had announced a government cash reward of $50,000 for a gold medal, $20,000 for a silver medal, and $10,000 for a bronze medal.
When asked if the government has the funds, Saukuru confirmed, “of course yes.”
Celebration plans are also underway, although the Fiji 7s team may have to wait a bit longer.
“We will wait for all the teams to come back, including those still in France, to complete their games. Once they return, we will decide on the celebrations for those who win medals,” stated Saukuru.
“At the moment, we only have the men’s rugby team. I have already informed them in the changing room after the final against France that the government is keeping its promise and will give them $20,000 each,” Saukuru added.
Saukuru was in Nadi to greet the Fiji 7s men’s and women’s teams on their return from Paris.