Antonio Raboiliku, the athletics coach at Marist Brothers High School, is gearing up for a challenging competition as his team prepares to defend their title at the Fiji Finals this week. He acknowledges that the spirit of competition will be fierce, with strong rivalries anticipated from schools like Suva Grammar School, Queen Victoria School (QVS), Natabua High School, and Xavier College.
Raboiliku remarked on Suva Grammar’s significant pedigree, highlighting that they are natural champions under the guidance of the esteemed coach Jone Delai. He also noted the resurgence of QVS after an 11-year absence in the Tailevu Zone, indicating they are eager to leave their mark on the competition.
The rising strength of rural and maritime schools was underscored by Raboiliku, who mentioned the impressive performance of Semesa Kalikalisui from Cicia High School, who won the senior boys javelin event. Raboiliku attributed the evolving competitiveness among schools to better preparation, making it evident that no school can rest on its past achievements.
His comments reflected a broader trend within Fiji’s athletics scene, where there is an increasing push for community involvement and the nurturing of young talent. Events like the Fiji Finals not only showcase athletic prowess but also foster unity and sportsmanship among participating schools.
Marist Brothers had an impressive performance last year, winning the boys’ division with 16 gold, six silver, and nine bronze medals. As they head into this year’s Fiji Finals at HFC Bank Stadium from Thursday to Saturday, the anticipation is heightened, with promises of surprises and exciting performances on the horizon.
There is hope that the spirited competition will not only bring out the best in athletes but also inspire the next generation of sports enthusiasts across Fiji.
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