Thomas Baker Memorial School is aiming high at this year’s Fiji Secondary School national championship, hoping to clinch more than eight medals. Team manageress Merewai Tupounitoga announced that the school brought the largest contingent of athletes to the competition this year, with a total of 31 students participating, a significant increase from last year when only elite runners competed.
“This is a historic moment for us,” Tupounitoga shared, highlighting their motivation to succeed after winning three medals last year, including a gold in long-distance races. The athletes hail from various villages within the tikina of Navatusila, including Nubutautau, Nasauvakarua, Nanoko, and Edela.
Despite challenges, the team has shown tremendous spirit, training in all weather conditions and running challenging routes across mountains. Interestingly, many of the students have not used track shoes before, training instead in socks, demonstrating their perseverance and grit.
For their trip, the team has raised over $3,000, with heartfelt thanks extended to parents, supporters, and alumni for their fundraising efforts. The dedication from the community mirrors trends observed in other schools, such as the strong showing from Saint Mary’s Primary School, which recently concluded the Fiji Primary Schools Labasa Athletics Zone competition with a remarkable 55 medals. This spirit of community support is vital in fostering young talent across Fiji.
As they prepare for the national meet, Thomas Baker Memorial School embodies a hopeful and determined approach, looking to leave an inspiring mark in their competitors’ hearts and pave the way for future successes in athletics. The upcoming competition represents not just a personal challenge for each athlete, but a collective celebration of dedication and community, promising a bright future for aspiring athletes in Fiji.
Leave a comment