Fiji’s biggest sporting event; the Fiji International is just around the corner and already plenty of sports superstars and celebrities have signed on to be a part of the tournament.

In 2016, the Fiji International is going to be bigger than ever. For the first time the tournament will be co-sanctioned by the European Tour and the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia will be broadcast into 400 million homes around the world.

Over the past three months plenty of exciting golfers, sportsmen and Fijian identities have put their support behind the Fiji International including:

Vijay Singh

Vijay Singh has been a dominant force in world golf for more than 34 years. Growing up in Nadi hitting golf balls on a driving range next to the airport, Singh went onto be the World Number 1, win three Major titles and be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Now at 53-years of age, while most of his competitors have transitioned onto the Champions Tour (a tour for over-50 year olds) Singh continues to be competitive on the world’s biggest Tour the PGA TOUR. Singh placed Fiji in the eyes of the international golf world and has been a supporter of the Fiji International which places Fiji in the lucrative international golf tourism industry.

What he said about the Fiji International:

"I am so proud that Fiji now has a world class tournament which brings some excellent golfers to the country. I love coming home to play. I have managed some good finishes in the first two Fiji Internationals but I am hoping this is the year I am victorious."

Vodafone Fiji 7’s

Never has there been a more triumphant year for Fijian sport than 2016. The Vodafone Fiji 7’s jetted off the Rio Olympics as World Champions, favourites to win gold. They captured the hearts of the world and made their country proud as they won Fiji’s first ever medal; an Olympic Gold Medal. These men will go down in history for their talent, national pride and sportsmanship but first they will attend the Fiji International. Announced just last week; captain Osea Kolinisau and Masivesi Dakuwaqa have signed on as Ambassadors for the Fiji International. So too has Emosi Mulevoro. The popular trio will be watching other talented athlete; the professional golfers excel at their sport but also interacting with their adoring fans that can come to the Fiji International to meet their heroes.

What Emosi said about the Fiji International:

"We had a great time at the Fiji International last year. We always appreciate watching the most talented athletes excel at their sport and seeing Vijay Singh in action last year was very exciting."

Miss World Fiji; Pooja Priyanka

Ensuring there will be a touch of glamour at this year’s Fiji International is Miss World Fiji; Pooja Priyanka. The 24-year-old model was earlier this year selected to represent Fiji at the Miss World pageant where she will show the world the beauty of Fijian women. The Fiji International shows the world the beauty of Fiji as a tropical island and golfing mecca. Having been born in Lautoka and of Fijian-Indian descent, Priyanka is much more than just a pretty face, she is also a talented Bollywood dancer. Priyanka will attend the Official Welcome Dinner of the Fiji International and will also watch the golfers in action at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.

What she said about the Fiji International:

"I’m looking forward to meeting all the personalities that will be coming to our shores as a result of the Fiji International. Being a Brand Ambassador will give me the opportunity to share our beautiful tropical island with them and to the tremendous fan following golf has all over the world."

George Gregan

A huge golf fan, George Gregan couldn’t wait to combine a tropical island holiday with the Fiji International. Gregan is Australia’s highest ever internationally capped rugby union player and since his retirement from the game he has spent a lot of time on the golf course. 2016 will be Gregan’s first trip to the Fiji International but he has already experienced life at an ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia golf tournament after playing in the New Zealand Open pro-am. He has even caddied during the famour par-3 competition at The Masters.

What he said:

"Since watching the inaugural Fiji International on television, attending the tournament has been on my golfing bucket list. I am really looking forward to combining a holiday with attending a world-class golf tournament."

The Fiji International will be played at from 6-9 October at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course. Follow us on facebook or instagram; @fijiintl

For more information, visit www.fijiinternational.com