The committee is made up of executives who are experts in their respective fields, including those who have represented Fiji at national level and also key sporting administrators.

It will be co-chaired by Fiji Sports Council chief executive Litiana Loabuka and Lawrence Tikaram, Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd national sales manager.

The group already has several fundraising initiatives which will be set up in the lead up to the Games, where rugby sevens will make its debut on the Olympic programme, such as installing a giant rugby ball shaped money box in the departure lounge at Suva airport, where people can donate unwanted coins and change to the cause.

“We all have that one, same dream to hear our national anthem being played whilst our players stand on that podium - and to have individuals who want to help in making that dream a reality is great for rugby in Fiji,” Fiji Rugby Union acting chief executive Berlin Kafoa said.

“We would like to encourage everyone to pitch in, dig deep and support Fiji sevens and Fijiana coaches by taking a more constructive approach.

“Becoming a volunteer with the best intentions to help raise funds to get the team to Rio is a gold medal won, that we all know we played a vital role in achieving too.”

Fiji’s men’s side are the reigning World Rugby Sevens World Series champions and represent the Pacific country’s best opportunity of claiming their first-ever Olympic gold medal.

Fiji’s women, who qualified for Rio 2016 after winning the Oceania Championship in Auckland in November, are also targeting a podium finish, with coach Iliesa Tanivula believing that is a realistic aim for his side.

“Our long term goal is to make the top three by August and it's achievable,” he said.

“The girls have eight months and they've seen the players and how the other teams prepare in the other series.

“There's a lot of hard work to be done and they stay committed.

“Hopefully, we just keep stepping up as we go forward.”