Athletics Fiji’s national coach, Albert Miller, has called on coaches to extend their planning and programs beyond the Coke Games, which are also known as the Fiji Finals and represent the largest athletics event in the Pacific region. Miller emphasized the importance of collaboration between Athletics Fiji and the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association (FSSAA) to develop pathway programs for aspiring athletes.
He pointed out that too often, coach engagement wanes after the Coke Games, leading to a halt in athlete development. To counter this trend, Athletics Fiji is committed to revitalizing its programs and establishing clubs aimed at boosting athlete participation in weekly competitions. “Once the Coke Games is over, basically everything comes to a standstill,” Miller stated, highlighting the need to maintain momentum for athletes aiming to represent Fiji in regional events.
Miller expressed hope that through this initiative, coaches will start focusing on long-term athlete development, potentially providing opportunities for scholarships and competition at the regional level. He noted that the annual Oceania Championship and other regional competitions provide vital platforms for athletes.
Strengthening partnerships with secondary schools is a priority for Athletics Fiji, as these institutions often possess the funding necessary to support athletes in competing overseas. Miller recollected promises to develop age-group teams to represent Fiji in competitions in Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, he indicated a focus on identifying and nurturing talent among athletes aged 13 to 14 in primary schools, laying a solid foundation for future success.
He also mentioned the aspiration to organize a regional secondary school competition that would include participation from Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, further fostering athletic cooperation in the Pacific.
This initiative not only highlights the potential for growth in athletics in Fiji but also showcases the commitment of its coaches and institutions to nurture talent and support athletes in achieving their dreams.
In summary, the future of athletics in Fiji appears promising as efforts are underway to ensure sustainable development and opportunities for young athletes long after the spotlight of the Coke Games has faded. By creating a structured pathway for athletes and enhancing collaboration, the sport can thrive and bring forth new champions.
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