This was revealed by Australian High Commissioner James Batley yesterday. He said the move transpired during the 2009 Forum Leaders meeting in Cairns last month.

“The Australia government has increased the sporting funding to $26 million for over the next five years in the Pacific. It is a large programme and we still working to implement it,” Batley said.

On the other hand it was all smiles for three national sporting organisations who were awarded Australian government grants. Close to $30,000 was handed out yesterday. Basketball received $8,510, Cricket $11,621 and Swimming $8,868.

Batley said the three sports were granted the funding under the Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP) where their application was successfully processed.

“This programme assists all Pacific Island countries annually. Australia prides itself as a sporting country. Sports are really important part of young people in building relationship and part of healthy living,” he said.

Fiji Cricket association president Col Ilaisa Kacisolomone said this would enable them to take the sport to schools around the country. Cricket has the aim of increasing the participation of children and teachers, who will take coaching roles.

Representing swimming Sean Jacobs added that the funds were targeted towards the development of local coaches.

“The money will be focused for coaches’ education to further develop knowledge and skills,” he said.

Basketball development officer Laisiasa Puamau believes this would help the sport further promote itself locally. He said the funds would be allocated in their development programme.