Athletics Fiji’s national coach, Albert Miller, has called on coaches to expand their strategies and programs well beyond the Coca-Cola Games, the premier athletics event in the Pacific. Miller highlighted the importance of collaboration between Athletics Fiji and the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association (FSSAA) to create pathway programs intended to nurture upcoming athletes.
Addressing some underlying challenges, Miller noted that enthusiasm among coaches tends to wane after the Coke Games, leading to a halt in athlete development. He emphasized the necessity of sustaining momentum post-event to ensure a robust pool of athletes ready to represent Fiji in regional competitions.
Miller encourages coaches to rethink their focus, urging them to consider long-term opportunities for their athletes, such as scholarships. He pointed out that regional events like the Oceania Championship occur annually and underlined the need to forge strong partnerships with secondary schools, which often have the resources to support athlete participation in these events.
Moreover, he mentioned that the development of age-group teams could help represent Fiji in competitions in Australia and New Zealand, especially for young athletes aged 13 to 14 from primary schools. Miller is optimistic about organizing a regional secondary school competition that would include teams from Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, which would further enhance athletes’ competitive exposure.
This perspective emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to athlete development, with hope for a flourishing future for athletics in Fiji. By laying a strong foundation now, there is great potential for young athletes to thrive on both national and international stages.
In summary, the vision for an integrated and sustained athletic framework in Fiji could significantly elevate the country’s presence in regional athletics while providing vibrant pathways for young athletes.
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