Ro Delainamako Primary School’s athletics day at HFC Stadium in Suva marked a landmark moment for the 260 students taking part. For many of the younger pupils, the vast arena was initially intimidating, but their nerves soon gave way to excitement as they ran barefoot on the track and felt the thrill of competing on a major stadium stage.
Head of School Vatiseva Cirinainima said this was a big day for the school, noting that they had never before held a sports event outside their grounds. “This is the first time for them to come and run on the tracks where they usually look up to their older brothers and sisters in high school,” Cirinainima remarked. He believes sports can offer a pathway to a better life for children who may not shine in the classroom, underscoring the value of physical activity and opportunity as part of a well-rounded education.
The event was a genuine community effort, with parents and the Parent-Teacher Association covering all costs, including stadium fees, transportation, and meals for the students. Cirinainima also expressed hope that the government will continue to support schools by funding more extracurricular activities, helping ensure every child has a chance to excel, whether in academics or sport. The school is now turning its focus to preparing athletes for the upcoming Lami zone meet early next term.
This kind of experience aligns with a broader trend seen in Fiji, where inter-house events held at the HFC Stadium attract hundreds of students and receive strong parental and community backing. Other schools have reported large turnouts and ongoing plans to compete in zone meets and national championships, highlighting a growing emphasis on participation, fitness, and personal development alongside competition.
With the Coca-Cola Games and other major events on the horizon, these experiences provide valuable exposure for young athletes, helping them build confidence, teamwork, and resilience. They also strengthen the sense of community around school sports, offering a hopeful outlook for the future of athletics across Fiji.
Editor’s note: The pattern of community-driven support for school sports shown in this and related events could serve as a model for expanding access to extracurricular activities, fostering talent, and building healthier, more active communities for Fiji’s students. Summary: Ro Delainamako Primary School’s inaugural stadium meet showcases student enthusiasm, parental and PTA support, and a promising pathway to broader competitive opportunities through upcoming zone meets and national events.
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