Beyond the Coke Games: Athletics Fiji’s Vision for Future Champions

Athletics Fiji’s national coach, Albert Miller, is calling on coaches to develop their strategies and programs with a long-term vision that extends beyond the Coca-Cola Games, a major event in Pacific athletics known as the Fiji Finals. Miller emphasized the importance of collaboration between Athletics Fiji and the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association (FSSAA) to establish pathway programs that benefit aspiring athletes.

Miller highlighted the tendency for coaches to lose interest after the conclusion of the Coca-Cola Games, leading to a stagnation in athlete development. He criticized the current situation where activities come to a halt following the games and expressed the need to maintain momentum to ensure a robust pool of athletes available for regional competitions.

To combat this issue, Miller is encouraging coaches to shift their focus from short-term goals centered around the Coca-Cola Games to broader opportunities for their athletes, including possible scholarships. He pointed out the annual Oceania Championship as a significant opportunity for young athletes and stressed the need for strong partnerships with secondary schools, which often have the resources to support athletes participating in regional games.

Miller noted plans to engage younger athletes aged 13 to 14 in primary schools and to potentially organize a regional secondary school competition involving teams from Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. By creating a clear pathway for athletes, he hopes to inspire continued participation and development at the national and regional levels.

This proactive approach from Athletics Fiji underlines a commitment to nurturing young talent and broadening the horizons for future athletes, providing them with more opportunities for success in sports.

In summary, Miller’s initiative aims to foster collaboration between schools and the national federation, ensuring sustained interest and development in athletics beyond the major competitions. By focusing on a longer-term vision, Athletics Fiji hopes to create a thriving environment for the next generation of athletes.