FIJI’s Olympic Games gold medal winning sevens team have continued to witness the fruit of their labour as another $300,500 cheque was yesterday presented to Fiji Rugby Union president and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama for the team to share.
This will add up to the $30,000 that all players and management had received from Government.
Of the $300,500 given yesterday — $170,000 was from FIJI Water, Jack’s Fiji gave $34,000, Fijian Holdings Ltd presented $51,000 and Airports Fiji Ltd handed over $45,500.
FIJI Water CEO Rokoseru Nabalarua later presented the players present a sum of $10,000 each.
“We’re so proud to be part of the Fiji brand, this afternoon FIJI Water has given $170,000 which amounts to $10,000 to each of you, as our appreciation from the company for what you have done,” Nabalarua said.
Speaking to this newspaper, FRU chief executive John O’Connor confirmed that all cash donations would be collected and shared equally among the team.
So far the players should have received $40,000 —— $30,000 promised by Government and the $10,000 given yesterday by FIJI Water.
If more corporate companies honour Fiji’s golden Olympians, Fiji could be also be competing with other countries that give cash bonuses to their golden athletes. Australia and Canada are reported to have given their gold medallists $US15,000 ($FJ30,876.75), Germany gave about $FJ41,169 for their gold medallists and the United States gave about $FJ51,461.25.
The Fiji team also received a silver chain each from Lords Jewellers which had a cross pendant on it.
