Fijian athletes vying for a place to participate in the delayed Tokyo Olympics still have their dreams alive despite the lack of international qualifying events because of border closures as a result of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Team Fiji chef de mission Patrick Bower assured the nation that only the best would be selected to represent Fiji.
“The whole exercise of anyone competing for a position to go to any game is very important to realise because it develops in them the character traits of determination,” he said.
“It also teaches an athlete about learning the rules of the game.
“Those experiences have enabled all athletes vying for a spot in Team Fiji to be able to handle situations more maturely in the future.”
Bower said all the athletes were aware of the competitive nature of sports.
“It also teaches us that not all of us will make it at the end of the day.
“So, when you are selected to be part of a team, that is the way we will go and the decision of the selection committee is final.
“They will take everything into account.
“There are a set of rules that has to be followed to ensure we get a thorough background of an athlete so by the end of the day, we feel that we have chosen the best athlete to represent Fiji.”
It is envisaged a strong 54-member Team Fiji brigade would assemble in Tokyo, Japan on July 23 for the opening ceremony, with swimming, gymnastics and other sports commencing soon after.
The delayed Summer Games are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 8.
Meanwhile, only sailing and rugby 7s for both genders have confirmed their spots to the granddaddy of all events.
