Concerns raised over oversight and selection of minor sports for regional games

Questions have been raised regarding the lack of oversight and clear criteria governing how minor sports qualify for regional competitions, highlighting concerns over transparency, athlete development, and the effective use of funding.

Speaking during the Standing Committee on Social Affairs' public submission with the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC), committee member and Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Aliki Bia said it was concerning that some minor sports continue to receive funding and participate at the regional level despite showing little or no local activity.

In response, FASANOC CEO, Vanessa Kilner, clarified that the national sporting body does not directly manage or monitor the activities of its 38 affiliated federations, which operate autonomously under their own club structures and development programmes.

Kilner says that when events such as the Pacific Games announce their sporting schedule, FASANOC issues an expression of interest to national federations.

She says those that wish to participate must then work with the Selection Justification Commission, which sets out and assesses the selection criteria for athletes.

Committee Member Parveen Bala also supported Bia’s line of questioning.

Kilner confirmed that FASANOC’s relationship with its federations is largely autonomous, and that the organisation does not “hover over them” or “micromanage.”