Beyond the Coke Games: A New Path for Fiji’s Young Athletes

Athletics Fiji’s national coach, Albert Miller, is advocating for coaches to look beyond the Coca-Cola Games, an important event in Pacific athletics. He believes that it is crucial for the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association (FSSAA) to collaborate effectively with the national federation to establish pathway programs for young athletes. This cooperation is vital to avoid reaching a standstill after such major competitions.

Miller pointed out that interest among coaches tends to dwindle once the Coke Games concludes, which is a setback for athlete development. To counter this, Athletics Fiji is focused on revitalizing existing programs and establishing athletic clubs to encourage year-round participation. He highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum and ensuring a steady pool of athletes ready for regional competitions.

Regional events, including the annual Oceania Championship, are necessary for the development of local athletes. He stressed the need for a strong partnership with secondary schools, which often have the financial resources to support these athletes in attending regional events. There are plans to develop age group teams to represent Fiji in competitions in Australia and New Zealand.

Moreover, Athletics Fiji is targeting younger athletes aged 13 to 14 in primary schools to strengthen the foundational levels of competition. Miller expressed optimism that by illustrating a clear pathway for athletes at both national and regional levels, more young athletes will be motivated to pursue athletics.

Additionally, there is hope for organizing a regional secondary school competition that would include athletes from Tonga, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, which could further foster regional ties and enhance competitive experience for the young athletes.

This proactive approach towards sustaining interest and participation in athletics is a promising sign for the future of sports in Fiji, potentially leading to a new generation of athletes with international opportunities. By fostering collaboration between schools and the national federation, there is a bright outlook for athletics in Fiji.