The Fiji Sports Council (FSC) is hosting an off-season athletics training camp aimed at providing young athletes, particularly those from smaller schools, with the opportunity to enhance their skills during the holiday period. National athletics coach Ben Tafao’ou emphasized the importance of developing these athletes, noting that many possess raw talent but lack structured training plans leading to physical mishaps, such as fainting or injuries, during competitions.

This camp, beginning three weeks before Christmas, has seen a favorable response with around 35 students participating, charged a modest fee of $20 per week. With two and a half weeks left until the camp concludes on January 24, Tafao’ou invites more young athletes to join, particularly those preparing for upcoming inter-house competitions in February.

Notable former athletes, including Albert Miler and Banuve Tabakaucoro, are part of the coaching team, offering their expertise in disciplines like high jumps and sprints. The training regimen spans six weeks, covering essential skills such as block starts, endurance training, and various athletic techniques aimed at preparing participants for significant competitions.

Tafao’ou has noticed positive changes in the young participants, with parents reporting improvements in their children’s time management and discipline, as the athletes learn to wake up early and commit to their training schedules. He remarked that many of these youngsters had previously been intimidated by established champions within their schools but are now eager to compete thanks to the supportive training environment the camp provides.

This initiative not only helps to level the playing field for aspiring athletes but also instills essential life skills like discipline and teamwork, reinforcing the broader goal of fostering a new generation of athletes ready to represent Fiji on bigger stages. By opening doors for less privileged students to receive quality training, the FSC is contributing to the long-term development of athletics in Fiji.

In summary, the FSC off-season camp is a constructive step toward inclusivity in sports, empowering young athletes and nurturing their potential. With continued support, these initiatives can lead to greater success for Fiji’s future sporting talents, creating brighter prospects for all involved.