Ni Sa Bula Vinaka,

Since last month, the Fiji Embassy Tokyo has been receiving enquiries from our Fijian diaspora on the possibility of meeting the Team Fiji athletes and officials. FASANOC Secretary General – CEO Ms. Lorraine Mar, responded below to some of the enquiries we have received thus far.

1. Can we come to the Airport and meet Team Fiji?  

You cannot meet the Team on arrival or at departure at the Airport. As a requirement of IOC and the Japanese Government, they are maintaining a very strict bubble and really cannot interact with anyone outside of the bubble. Except for First Secretary, Ms. Kelera SAVU, the designated Fiji Embassy coordinate accredited by IOC for the Fiji Team.

2. Can we visit and see the Team at their Host Town hotel?  

Team Fiji is not able to receive any visitors in Oita. Not only because of the bubble but also Oita City’s rule.

3. Can we see the Team at one of the training sites?  

No, it is not allowed. The athletes and officials are not permitted to mingle at the training sites. Only those with accreditation will be able to access the Training sites.

4. Can we call and see the Team at the Olympic Village?  

I regret to advise that the OLV is not receiving any visitors, and Day Passes that would normally be available have been withdrawn.

5. Are the athletes allowed to come out and meet us after taking part in their event?  

Again, this will not be possible. The athletes and officials are only allowed to move from the Olympic Village to training and back, or to the competition venue and back. They will not be allowed to sightsee, go shopping, visit families and friends, etc. Team Fiji had to fill in a daily activity plan for each person according to the movements mentioned, and no deviation from the plan is permitted. Team Fiji will suffer consequences if there is a breach of these activity plans.

6. Can we meet the athletes outside the Olympic Village?  

All athletes and officials from all countries will not be able to socialize with anyone outside of their Team at all. This will not be possible. Any movement outside of the Olympic Village can only be through the Transport Mall. 

7. If the athletes are bringing our stuff, whom can they pass it to?  

The only person I can think of is First Secretary, Ms. Kelera Savu. If it is in their suitcases, then it will have to be when she comes to Oita. The only other alternative I can think of is for our people to post whatever it is.

8. Would there be a church service or community gathering for Team Fiji, as usual in previous games?

This will not be possible. Tokyo 2020 will be the first time we won’t be able to do this. This will be an Olympic Games like no other, and everyone will have to be super careful and very mindful of their actions. For the Team, this is not only to protect the people of Japan, but also the people of Fiji on our return. The last thing we want is to compound the already escalating COVID-19 cases in Fiji.

We thank you for your understanding and support in this regard.

End.

Fiji Embassy Tokyo

6 July 2021