The Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) was founded in 1949 and achieved Olympic recognition in 1955.

Its President is Ms Makarita Lenoa and its Secretary General is Ms Lorraine Mar. 

FASANOC has prepared athletes for the Olympic Games since 1956; the Commonwealth Games (formerly the Empire Games) since 1950; the (South) Pacific Games since 1963; and the Mini South Pacific Games since 1981. 

Its only break in attendance at the Commonwealth Games has been due to the country’s expulsion in the aftermath of military coups but it is commendable that both FASANOC and successive governments have maintained the importance of sport through consistent investment in the area. 

It directs technical assistance and funding to its affiliates in the areas of coaching, athlete development, sports medicine, sports administration and provides facilities for members to carry out day to day operational activities. 

It was the first Pacific Small Island Developing State (SIDS) NOC to establish its own operational headquarters which still stands in the capital, Suva. FASANOC funds itself through its business arm, Suva Apartments, a complex of serviced accommodation in the capital; Olympic Solidarity funded national programmes of development; sale of Olympic merchandise; administration grants from the IOC and ONOC; and through corporate sponsorship programmes.

The National Context
For context, Fiji lies at the crossroads of the sub-regions of Melanesia and Polynesia with a total land area of 28,272 sq. km. It became a British colony in 1874 and gained independence in 1970. Its main industries include tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and processing, fisheries, and mining. Its natural resources include timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential and hydropower. 

Fiji is endowed with forest, mineral and marine resources and connected - one of the most developed countries in the Pacific islands. Its chief exports include bottled water (to the US), fuel (including oil), sugar, fish, beverages, garments, gold, timber, molasses, coconut oil, and mineral water. Its key imports include machinery, manufactured goods, transport equipment, petroleum products, food, and chemicals. 

Its agricultural production is around sugarcane, copra, ginger, tropical fruit, and vegetables. Livestock production includes beef cattle, pigs, and poultry. Marine harvests focus on fish, predominantly tuna aside from its inshore fishery.

Challenges and the importance of sport
Some challenges the country faces include deforestation, periodic ethnic tension, recovery from previous coups, climate change impacts, obesity, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and natural hazards such as cyclones and droughts (in drier parts of the country). 

FASANOC operates within this context and its role in serving a sporting nation that is ethnically and culturally diverse has been critical in building peace, community cohesion, and fostering understanding between people.