Fiji has been boosted by a donation from BSP ©FASANOC

The Bank of South Pacific Group (BSP) has donated $50,000 (£35,000/€44,000) to the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) to help with their Rio 2016 preparations.

Joseph Rodan, the President of FASANOC, welcomed the contribution as the Oceania nation seeks its first-ever Olympic medal in the Brazilian city.

Despite never stepping foot on the podium yet, the introduction of rugby sevens to the programme has given Fiji great hope as they are one of the world's major forces in the sport.

They are the reigning men's World Rugby Sevens Series champions and also currently top the pile this season.

In addition, Fiji have also qualified for the men's football tournament after an ineligible player row saw New Zealand kicked out.

The team sports mean the country will send its biggest ever squad of athletes to an Olympic Games.

Fiji has high hopes for its rugby sevens teams in Rio
Fiji has high hopes for its rugby sevens teams in Rio ©Getty Images

"At FASANOC we are very happy and very proud that BSP has come on board," said Rodan.

"Everybody in Fiji will be looking forward to the Olympics especially for rugby sevens."

Kevin McCarthy, BSP's national manager, said the donation reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to sport after they were the major sponsor at last year's Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea's capital Port Moresby.

"This signifies our passion and commitment to making the dreams of athletes come true," he said.

"We are excited because this is the largest contingent to leave Fiji and we wish Team Fiji every success at the Rio Olympics," he said.