After the Coke Games: Revamping Fiji’s Athletic Future

Athletics Fiji’s national coach, Albert Miller, is calling for coaches to extend their training plans beyond the prestigious Coca-Cola Games, which is recognized as the largest athletics event in the Pacific region. Miller emphasizes the importance of collaboration between Athletics Fiji and the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association (FSSAA) to establish effective pathways for aspiring athletes.

Miller points out that there tends to be a lull in interest among coaches and athletes after the conclusion of the Coke Games. To counter this, he advocates for the development of programs and clubs that maintain athlete engagement throughout the year. He believes that the focus should shift from solely preparing for the Coke Games to broader opportunities for athletes, including scholarships and participation in regional competitions.

Miller highlighted the significance of strengthening partnerships with secondary schools, which play a crucial role in funding and sponsoring athletes for regional events. He also mentioned initiatives aimed at creating age group teams to represent Fiji in competitions in Australia and New Zealand. Furthermore, Athletics Fiji aims to scout and develop talent among younger athletes aged 13 to 14 in primary schools, building a solid foundation for future athletic success.

In addition to expanding local programs, Miller envisions organizing a regional secondary school competition that could include teams from Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. This effort could foster greater competition and growth within the sport while providing athletes with valuable exposure.

Overall, coach Miller’s proactive approach offers hope for the future of athletics in Fiji, aiming to create a sustainable and productive environment for young athletes long after the excitement of the Coca-Cola Games has passed. By building strong partnerships and focusing on long-term development, the foundation for future generations of athletes can be solidified, setting the stage for both national and regional success.