Fiji Airways have signed an agreement to become the official airline of the Fijian Paralympic team.

The deal consists of FJD50,000 (£18,350/€20,750/$23,5000) each year to support the Paralympians ahead of their preparations for Tokyo 2020.

The managing director and chief executive of Fiji Airways was delighted by the announcement.

"We are pleased to welcome Fijian Paralympians to the Fiji Airways family," said André Viljoen.

"Their determination and sacrifice is an inspiration to all of us here at Fiji Airways, and indeed to all Fijians.

"They break barriers in their bid to achieve glory for the country.

“We are confident that our support will help them achieve Paralympic glory by attending various international competitions for training and exposure."

Fittingly, Fiji had made their debut in the Paralympic Games at Tokyo in 1964.

They have competed in every Games since Atlanta 1996.

They have so far won one medal, a gold for high jumper Iliesa Delana in the F42 category at London 2012.

Fiji Paralympic Committee Board member Sakiusa Bolaira was also pleased by the agreement and looked forward to joining the other teams currently sponsored by Fiji Airways.

Those include the Fijian national rugby teams and the Crusaders, who play in the Super Rugby competition and are nine-time champions.

"To join the national airline’s already impressive sponsorship assets is a massive honour for Fiji Paralympics," said Bolaira.

"It is exactly the kind of support and confidence that will inspire more and more Fijians who are differently-abled to join our cause.

"We are so thankful to Fiji Airways and indeed all our other sponsors for believing in our Para-athletes."