Drasa Avenue Primary School’s girls’ swimming team celebrated a remarkable achievement by being crowned the overall girls’ champions at the 2025 Fiji Primary and Secondary Schools Swimming Championship held at Damodar City National Aquatic Centre in Suva. The team outperformed defending champions St Joseph’s Secondary School, finishing with an impressive tally of 15 gold, 12 silver, and 8 bronze medals in the girls’ division, while their boys’ team placed fourth overall.
Head coach Salaseini Lele credited the win to the swimmers’ hard work, faith, and sacrifice. Despite starting with 30 swimmers, the team was reduced to 28 due to injuries and other unforeseen circumstances, yet they prepared diligently with a focused training schedule, committing to sessions every morning from 6-8am, five days a week. Lele emphasized that the training concentrated on technique, endurance, and speed, which proved fruitful as the girls exceeded expectations during the competition.
The success of the Drasa girls illustrates the depth of talent present in Fiji’s youth swimming programs. The championship showcased not only individual achievements but also the strength of community support, generating enthusiasm and a spirit of camaraderie among competing schools, reminiscent of previous championships where schools like Marist Brothers High School have excelled.
In the boys’ division, Marist Brothers High School topped the overall results with a strong performance, winning 21 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze medals. The excitement and achievements during these events reflect a promising future for young athletes in Fiji, as schools continue to encourage athletic excellence and strive for improvement.
Lele extended her gratitude to parents, colleagues, and sponsors, highlighting the critical role of community support in their swimming journey. “Mostly, our source of strength is always God,” she said, emphasizing the importance of faith in their success.
The achievements of Drasa Avenue Primary School and Marist Brothers High School at the championships inspire hope for ongoing growth in sports, exemplifying how dedication and teamwork can lead to remarkable accomplishments.
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