The Suva One athletics team is gearing up to defend their title in the Under 14 boys’ division at the upcoming Tuckers Ice Cream Primary Schools athletics championship, scheduled for November 28 to 29 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Head coach Bill Momo shared insights about their preparations during an interview with SUNsports.
Momo expressed gratitude towards various stakeholders, including the heads of 14 schools, teachers, and parents, for their support during the training process. The team has recently moved into the pre-competition phase, aiming to address the weaknesses observed in their performance from last year.
“While we focus on the boys’ division, our goal also encompasses securing the girls’ division,” Momo stated. He acknowledged that poor weather conditions posed challenges, particularly during their training sessions. However, the athletes have adapted well, with adjustments made to training venues whenever rainfall occurred.
The team has seen intense training sessions with set targets for performance metrics, which were assessed during a recent Fiji athletics meet organized by Athletics Fiji. Momo noted that athletics is evolving into a more professional sport in Fiji and emphasized the importance of specialized coaching. This involves the presence of coaches like Antonio Raboiliku for long jump, Tui Vanuavou for high jump, Rajen Prasad for high jump, and Fesaitu Mario for throws, contributing to the athletes’ development.
There is an expectation of strong competition from other districts, all vying for top honors. Momo stressed the significance of support from parents, guardians, and school heads, acknowledging sponsors as well. Notably, some students will compete in athletics for the first time, marking a milestone in their sporting journey.
Additionally, Momo anticipated that the Wallis and Futuna athletics team would bring an exciting level of competition to the event, encouraging growth in the sport. He also wished good luck to competitors from other districts.
This championship presents not just an opportunity for the athletes to showcase their skills, but also serves as a significant event for community engagement and the promotion of athletics within Fiji. It highlights the dedication of these young athletes and the support networks surrounding them, fostering a hopeful environment for sporting excellence.
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