Athletics Fiji’s national coach, Albert Miller, has called for coaches to expand their focus beyond the Coca-Cola Games, also known as the Fiji Finals, which is the largest athletics event in the Pacific. He emphasized the necessity for Athletics Fiji to collaborate closely with the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association (FSSAA) to implement pathway programs that will benefit upcoming athletes.
Miller pointed out that without a partnership between the FSSAA and the national federation, opportunities for athletes will be limited. He noted that coaches’ engagement tends to drop after the Coca-Cola Games, which is why Athletics Fiji is committed to enhancing its programs and creating clubs to maintain athlete participation throughout the year.
“After the Coke Games, everything basically comes to a standstill,” Miller commented, underlining the need to sustain enthusiasm among athletes for regional competitions. He encouraged coaches to assemble their strategies in a way that prepares athletes for opportunities beyond the Coca-Cola Games, potentially leading to scholarships and participation in regional events, such as the Oceania Championship, which is held annually.
Additionally, he mentioned the importance of financial support from secondary schools for sponsoring athletes in competitions abroad, specifically in Australia and New Zealand. Moreover, Athletics Fiji aims to develop a focus on young athletes, particularly those aged 13 to 14, to build a solid foundation for their athletic careers.
Miller expressed hopes of organizing a regional secondary school competition that would involve participants from Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, promoting broader engagement and competition among young athletes in the region.
This initiative signifies a promising step for the future of athletics in Fiji, aiming to nurture a new generation of athletes who are well-prepared for both national and international competitions. By creating a structured pathway, young athletes will have clear opportunities to develop their skills and represent their nation on larger stages.
Overall, Miller’s vision and call for cooperation among athletic coaches and associations offer a hopeful outlook for the future of sports in Fiji, fostering unity and growth within the athletics community.
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