Tonga team for London Olympics
Monday, May 14, 2012 - 18:11
Three Tongan athletes are confirmed at this stage to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London under wild cards entry, in July.
Please subscribe to access premium content.
- Read more about Tonga team for London Olympics
- Log in or register to post comments
Comments
Concerning the Tongan Team to
Concerning the Tongan Team to the London Olympics, it might be an opportune time for me to point out a few facts.
According to the Charter of the International Olympic Committee, the
IOC will cover the return travel including lodging, transport etc.
to every Olympic Games of the following personnel for every National
Olympic Committee, no matter the team composition:
1. President and Secretary General of the NOC as guest of the IOC
2. Chef de Mission
3. Team Doctor
4. Physiotherapist
5. News Reporter/Media personnel
6. Five wild card entries of athletes plus their Managers and Coaches
The above funding is mandatory and is meant to ensure that every NOC is represented at every Olympic Games. Our team doctor and team attache are residents of the UK. The Tonga NOC is responsible for the selection of the above delegation.
On the other hand, athletes who actually qualify for the Olympics are
funded through technical grants provided from their international
federation of which Tonga is a Member, such as AIBA (Boxing), FINA
(Swimming), FIFA (Soccer), IRB (Rugby), IWF (Weightlifting), and ICC
(Cricket) to name only a few.
Tongan government funds are not used for such national expenses.
- ‘Ahongalu Fusimalohi, Chef de Mission, Team Tonga, 2012 London Olympics