In a nation where inclusivity in sports often faces hurdles, Marist Champagnat Institute shines as a leading secondary school dedicated to recognizing and nurturing the potential of every student. The recent interhouse competition held at the HFC Bank National Stadium in Suva highlighted the school’s steadfast commitment to ensuring all students, including those with learning difficulties and autism, have the opportunity to excel on the sports field.
Ritesh Prasad, the head of the Physical Education, Music and Art & Craft (PEMAC) department, passionately conveyed the institution’s philosophy. “Marist Champagnat Institute is an inclusive school. We focus on participation first and foremost, ensuring every student gets an opportunity to take part. While we do have students who compete at higher levels, our primary goal is to foster a love for sport and movement among all learners,” he stated.
Central to this commitment are the school’s unique programs, such as the ‘move to learn’ activities, specifically designed to help students develop fundamental motor skills. “We carefully observe how our students perform in activities like throwing and running, which helps us identify and nurture their abilities,” Prasad elaborated.
The school has made notable contributions in events like the Coca-Cola Games, particularly excelling in field events. Last year, Filomena Ake made her mark by qualifying for the prestigious games after securing third place at the Suva Zone Two meet. “Our focus this year remains on field events, especially long jump and discus. We hope to send more athletes to represent us at the Fiji Finals,” Prasad added.
With about 10 to 15 students anticipated to participate in the upcoming zone meet, Marist Champagnat Institute continues to exemplify how inclusivity and competitive spirit can coexist. As Prasad encapsulated the school’s ethos, “It’s about participation, confidence, and giving every student a chance to be part of something bigger.”
This commitment to inclusivity not only fosters a supportive environment for all students but also promotes the idea that together, they can achieve greatness in sports and beyond.
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