Thomas Baker Memorial School hopes to take home more than eight medals.

Manageress Merewai Tupounitoga said they brought the biggest number at this years Fiji Secondary School national championship.

“It is a history for us,” she said.

“Last year we only brought the elite ones; this year we brought 31 students.

These athletes are from villages in the tikina of Navatusila including Nubutautau, Nasauvakarua, Nanoko and Edela.

“We are targeting to win eight to ten medals.”

Last year they won three medals including a gold from their long distance runners.

“We train under any weather condition.

“We always run long distances – running across mountains.

“These students are not used to wearing track shoes so they’re only wearing socks.”

The team have been camping the last two weeks.

They had a budget of more than three $3k.

“We thank the parents, supporters and the old scholars for helping us fundraise our trip.”

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj