Athletics Fiji’s national coach, Albert Miller, has emphasized the importance for coaches to develop their training plans and programs beyond the upcoming Coca-Cola Games. Known as the Fiji Finals, this event is renowned as the largest athletics competition in the Pacific. Miller advocates for a closer collaboration between Athletics Fiji and the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association (FSSAA) to implement pathway programs for young athletes.
Miller highlighted the need for both organizations to work together without letting their differences hinder the maximization of opportunities for upcoming athletes. He noted that interest from coaches tends to wane after the Coca-Cola Games, leading to a lull in athletic activities. To combat this, Athletics Fiji is focused on revamping its programs, including the establishment of clubs to bolster athlete participation in weekly competitions.
Miller pointed out that after the Coca-Cola Games, enthusiasm diminishes, creating challenges in maintaining a pool of athletes ready for regional competitions. He expressed his hopes that coaches could refocus their strategies to prepare athletes for opportunities such as scholarships and participation in annual regional competitions like the Oceania Championship.
Moreover, Miller stressed the critical role secondary schools play in sponsoring athletes for these competitions. He indicated plans to form age-specific teams capable of representing Fiji in international school events, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. In addition, Athletics Fiji aims to identify and nurture talent among 13 to 14-year-olds in primary schools, showcasing potential pathways for these athletes not only at the national level but also in regional contexts.
In an exciting prospect for the future, Miller mentioned the possibility of organizing a regional secondary school competition that would involve participation from teams in Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
This initiative represents a forward-thinking approach, aiming to keep athletes engaged and competitive, thereby strengthening Fiji’s presence in athletics on a broader stage. The partnership between coaches, schools, and the national federation could lead to greater achievements for young athletes in the region.
Summary: Albert Miller, the national coach for Athletics Fiji, is urging a shift in focus for coaches, emphasizing long-term athlete development beyond the Coca-Cola Games. He advocates for collaborations with the FSSAA, suggesting that together they can create valuable pathway programs and ensure ongoing engagement in athletics for young athletes in Fiji.
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