FASANOC Sends Condolences To The Royal Family

Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee(FASANOC) joins the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and  Commonwealth Games Federation and sends respects, deepest sympathies and condolences to the Royal Family, the sporting fraternity and the people of the United Kingdom.

The President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the IOC Executive Board meeting last week.

He told the members of the Executive Board:

“With the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we have lost a great supporter of sport and the Olympic Movement.

Her Majesty was the only head of state to declare open, two editions of the Olympic Games and was present at the Olympic Games London 1948.

As patron of the British Olympic Association, she provided invaluable advice and help to the Olympic community.”

He added: “Whenever one could see her attending a sports event, you could feel her appreciation of sport and how much joy it brought her. She was herself an accomplished equestrian.

This enjoyment of sport and her wonderful sense of humour were clearly represented in her appearance at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games London 2012, where her participation in the world-famous video sketch will be remembered fondly by everyone who saw it.

Our thoughts are with the Royal Family and in particular our IOC colleague, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, and all the members of the Olympic community in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.”

The members of the Executive Board stood in a minute’s silence as a sign of respect for Her Majesty, and the Olympic flag and the Union flag are flying at half-mast at Olympic House.

Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation said:

“It is with profound sorrow that we learn of the passing of our Patron, Her Majesty the Queen.

Throughout her long life and reign, her extraordinary dedication and service to the Commonwealth has been an inspiration to so many, including all our Commonwealth Games athletes and officials.

"Her Majesty’s vision for the Commonwealth as a diverse and united family of nations will continue to inspire us – and will remain our mission and duty for the benefit of all athletes and communities, through the power of sport.

Our thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty the King, The Queen Consort and all members of the Royal Family as we join with citizens across the Commonwealth in mourning her loss at this very sad time.”

FASANOC President, Makarita Lenoa reflected that for the many Games that Team Fiji travelled to the UK, be it the Commonwealth Games or the Olympic Games, Her Majesty the Queen and members of the Royal Family have been a big part of it. More so, FASANOC took much pride in showcasing Fiji, its athletes and its people on every occasion the Queen’s Baton came to our shores for the Queen’s Baton Relay.

The sporting fraternity of the world and in particular our colleagues of Great Britain have lost a strong supporter, she said.

‍