Athletics Fiji: Urging Coaches to Look Beyond the Coke Games

Athletics Fiji’s national coach, Albert Miller, is calling on coaches to extend their strategic focus beyond the prestigious Coca-Cola Games, known as the Fiji Finals, which is the largest athletics event in the Pacific. He emphasized the need for collaboration with the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association (FSSAA) to create pathways for athletes, ensuring they have opportunities after the Coke Games.

Miller expressed concerns that interest from coaches tends to wane after the event, resulting in a halt in training and development. He stressed the importance of maintaining momentum to cultivate a strong pool of athletes capable of competing at regional levels. He further highlighted the necessity for coaches to adopt a broader perspective that considers opportunities beyond the Coke Games, which could include scholarships for aspiring athletes.

Emphasizing the value of partnerships with secondary schools, Miller noted their critical role in funding and supporting athletes for regional competitions. He encouraged the FSSAA to work closely with Athletics Fiji to create age group teams that can compete internationally, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.

Moreover, Athletics Fiji is keen on engaging with younger athletes in primary schools aged 13 to 14 to establish a robust foundation for their future in athletics. Miller’s vision includes organizing a regional secondary school competition involving neighboring nations such as Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

This approach not only strengthens the athletics community but also offers young athletes the chance to envision a clear path towards athletic success on a national and regional stage. Such initiatives signify positive progress for sports in Fiji and the potential for nurturing future champions.

In a broader perspective, this call to action serves as an encouraging reminder of the possibilities that lie beyond a single event, highlighting the importance of sustained engagement and support for athletic development at all levels.