Two years ago before the Fiji Sports Commission was set up, Government contributed about $500,000 a year for sport development.

This year, that sum has quadrupled and with World Cup events for rugby, netball and the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea next year, FSC Chairman Peter Mazey says there will no doubt be another increase.

He’s advising all national sporting federations to submit their budgets by the end of next month for consideration.

“What sports gives back to the economy is huge, the Prime Minister himself has mentioned it that there’s been a figure of $100 million just in remittances and we have to realize this to make sure that they’ve got development plans in play, they’re following their own constitutions, that’s the main one and we’re now asking them to please provide them with audited accounts. We need to see that they’re accounts are in order.”

So far, the FSC has assisted Netball Fiji for the Digicel Tri Series in Suva this month, the national swimming championship has received a financial boost while golf and hockey events later this year will get support too.