The Fiji Sports Council has initiated a six-week off-season athletics program aimed at enhancing the training of students outside their regular school competitions. This initiative is part of a broader goal to develop Fiji’s athletes to Olympic standards.
In collaboration with Athletics Fiji, the program addresses a growing concern in the sport, particularly for those students who lack structured training during off-seasons. Bola Petueli Tafoou, the athletics officer at FSC, coordinates the effort, focusing on providing foundational training to students, especially those new to athletics, to enable them to compete at higher levels.
Tafoou emphasized that the primary objective is to support students without existing off-season training plans. He noted, “Many talented students are unfit because only core groups trained by clubs and coaches get proper preparation. We want to give every student a chance to compete with the best.”
During the program, students will learn the basics of acceleration, endurance, jumps, and throws. Notable coaches, including former Olympian Albert Miller, Pacific sprint sensation Banuve Tabakaucoro, and Eugene Vollmer, will guide the participants throughout the training sessions. The regimen is structured to prepare athletes for upcoming inter-house competitions and other events.
The camp commenced on Monday and will span six weeks, concluding on January 21. Progress will be evaluated through fitness tests and competitive results during inter-house and zone competitions. This proactive approach aims to establish a strong foundation for future athletic success, reinforcing the idea that champions are cultivated in the off-season rather than during competitive events.
This initiative not only seeks to level the playing field for all students but also serves as a promising step towards the long-term development of athletics in Fiji. It reflects a commitment to nurturing young athletes and potentially propelling them to international success in the future.
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