LELEAN Memorial School (LMS) is on the brink of re-establishing itself as a leading force in Fiji’s school sports, marked by a strong performance at their recent interhouse athletics competition. Having previously been a dominant competitor in rugby, volleyball, and athletics throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the school is now committed to reigniting its legacy of success.
The enthusiasm shown during the interhouse event, which took place at the HFC Bank National Stadium, signals the start of a promising new chapter in LMS’s sports program. “This competition helps us see what our students can do,” stated Assistant Principal Ulaisai Vakatawakoula, emphasizing the importance of the event in discovering and nurturing student talent. He noted the school’s ambition to prepare their athletes, particularly the female participants, for upcoming competitions including the Triple N Zone and the prestigious Coca-Cola Games.
In the previous year, Lelean achieved significant acclaim with two students earning silver medals at the Coca-Cola Games, highlighting the school’s robust athletics program. This year, however, LMS is embracing a strategy that emphasizes quality over quantity by forming a smaller, elite team of athletes. In conjunction with this approach, the institution is enlisting specialist coaches, many of whom are alumni, to provide the highest level of training for their students.
“The competition is really tough, so we need to focus on the best athletes and give them the best coaching,” stated Vakatawakoula, acknowledging the fierce competition they face. The support from former students has also been invaluable, further enhancing the school’s training efforts.
Lelean Memorial School boasts a rich sporting history filled with numerous championships across various disciplines. With this new strategic direction, the school is optimistic about rekindling its winning spirit. Utilizing the interhouse meet as a foundation, LMS is now gearing up for the challenges ahead at the Triple N Zone, with aspirations not just to compete but to bring home medals.
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