Fiji Athletics Coach Pushes for Pathways Beyond Coca-Cola Games

Athletics Fiji’s national coach, Albert Miller, has called on coaches to focus on developing their plans and programs that extend beyond the Coca-Cola Games, which is the largest athletics event in the Pacific. Miller emphasized the importance of collaboration between Athletics Fiji and the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association (FSSAA) to create meaningful pathway programs for young athletes.

Miller remarked that the current approach tends to lead to a standstill once the Coke Games conclude, stating, “Once the Coke Games is over, basically everything comes to a standstill.” To counter this, Athletics Fiji aims to sustain engagement and participation by fostering clubs that organize weekly competitions for athletes beyond the Coca-Cola Games.

He elaborated that the focus of current coaching strategies is largely limited to the Coca-Cola Games, and there is a need to inspire coaches to look at the bigger picture. “Hopefully we’ll give them an opportunity to score a scholarship or something like that,” he noted, highlighting the potential for athletes to gain further opportunities.

Miller also mentioned the necessity of strengthening partnerships with secondary schools, which play a crucial role in funding athletes for regional competitions. He referred to past promises to create age-group teams for international school competitions in Australia and New Zealand and expressed a desire to extend focus to talented athletes aged 13 to 14 in primary schools.

Moreover, Miller shared aspirations for organizing a regional secondary school competition that would invite participants from Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, which could foster further regional relationships and competitions.

This initiative not only aims to enhance the athletic skills of Fiji’s youth but also cultivates a spirit of collaboration and community among schools in the Pacific. Establishing these pathways and opportunities is crucial for nurturing the next generation of athletes, and it is a hopeful step toward a robust future in athletics for Fiji.

In summary, Miller’s vision outlines a proactive approach to athletic development, encouraging long-term planning for athletes. By enhancing collaboration, creating pathways, and sustaining momentum post-Coke Games, the future of athletics in Fiji looks promising.