The recent Maritime Zone athletics meet in Fiji saw a notable increase in participation from schools, particularly with the inclusion of Rotuma High School and a team from Kadavu, marking their first appearances in this competitive arena. Biu Colati, secretary of the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association, shared that even with a slight decrease in the total number of athletes, the overall quality of performances was exceptional, showcasing a variety of standout efforts across both track and field events.
Colati pointed out that Rotuma’s five athletes all managed to qualify in their respective categories, even outperforming some competitors from Suva schools, which reflects a significant shift in the competitive landscape within the zone. “This year is different from the quality of athletes that we have been getting… it goes to show that a lot of differences are happening here within the zone,” he stated, showcasing the rising competitiveness of outer island participants.
Although the competition began and concluded an hour later than scheduled—due to the travel time required for the outer island teams—Colati praised the organization of the event and acknowledged the understanding surrounding the delays. With impressive times, distances, and heights recorded during the meet, the participating schools are eagerly anticipated to deliver strong performances at the upcoming Fiji Finals, set to take place from Thursday to Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
The enthusiasm surrounding these events highlights a growing commitment to youth athletics in Fiji, fostering not only competition but also community camaraderie as schools rally behind their athletes. The live coverage on FBC TV will further bring these youthful talents to the forefront, allowing families and fans to support their teams from afar.
Such initiatives underline a hopeful future for the athletics culture in Fiji, engaging more youth and reinforcing the importance of sportsmanship and community collaboration.
Leave a comment