The 2025 Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association (FSSAA) concluded its thrilling 50th anniversary Coca-Cola Games yesterday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. This milestone event showcased three days filled with fierce competition, remarkable talent, and extraordinary school spirit, reaffirming its status as the premier secondary school athletics meet in the Pacific.
Despite an initial light drizzle on the final day that did little to dampen enthusiasm, thousands of fans gathered to support their schools for what became a memorable conclusion. Once the weather cleared, athletes took to the track and field, displaying their skills and determination.
In the girls’ division, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) High School entered the last day leading the standings and did not disappoint. The team secured multiple gold medals, including a stellar performance from Merekeleni Ratubaka, who won the open girls’ 3000 meters, echoing MGM’s dominance throughout the Games. Their impressive collection culminated with a total of 15 gold medals, solidifying MGM’s position as champions for the second consecutive year.
Marist Brothers High School, leading the boys’ division going into the last day, showcased depth in their athletic program, finishing strong with a medal count of 10 golds, alongside 10 silvers and 8 bronzes. The school’s victory in the boys’ division was marked by strong relay performances, including wins in both the junior and intermediate boys’ 4x400m.
Other momentous highlights included Suva Grammar School’s unprecedented clean sweep in the senior boys’ discus throw and Rhett Kukau’s gold-winning performance in the boys’ 800m finals.
The 2025 Coca-Cola Games served not only as a celebration of athletics but also as a potent reminder of the importance of community, resilience, and the spirit of competition. Athletes competed fiercely, but the overarching theme was one of unity and pride, with supporters rallying behind their schools.
This year’s notable achievements reflect a promising future for athletics in Fiji, inspired by the legacy of past competitors and the support of local communities. The Games encapsulate the joy, discipline, and determination that define the athletic journey, as each young athlete showcased their best strides on this significant platform.
Congratulations to all participants and particularly to the winners; the event emphasizes that every competitor, regardless of their placement, has gained valuable experiences that resonate far beyond medals. As Fiji looks ahead to the next 50 years of the Coca-Cola Games, there is hope that the spirit of sportsmanship and the pursuit of excellence will continue to thrive among youths across the nation.
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