“Hopefully we’ll give them an opportunity to score a scholarship or something like that,”he added.
Athletes participate in the Coke Games this year at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva. Photo: Leon Lord
Athletics Fiji national coach Albert Miller has urged coaches to set their plans and programmes beyond the Coca-Cola Games.
Also known as the Fiji Finals, the Coke Games is the Pacific’s biggest athletics meet.
Miller said Athletics Fiji would like to work closely with the Fiji Secondary Schools Ath-letics Association (FSSAA) to introduce some pathway programmes.
“I think it’s important that they (FSSAA) work together with the national federation because otherwise we’re always running into a dead end,” the former national champion said.
“I think whatever differences that they have must be put aside so that we’re maximising opportunities for our upcoming athletes.”
He added that coaches’ interest is lost post-Coke Games; Athletics Fiji is trying to rebuild most of their programmes including creating clubs to increase participation of athletes during the weekly competitions.
“Once the Coke Games is over, basically everything comes to a standstill,” Miller said.
“We’re trying to maintain the momentum after the Coke Games, to have a good number of athletes that is going to be available to represent Fiji in regional competitions.
“One of the things that we’re trying to do is to encourage the coaches, as the way they are looking at things right now is geared towards the Cokes ( and not beyond).
“Hopefully we’ll give them an opportunity to score a scholarship or something like that,”he added.
Miller emphasised that regional competitions including the Oceania Championship is held every year.
“We really need to strengthen our partnership with secondary school because they are the ones that have the funds to sponsor some of these athletes to regional games,” he said.
“I think if I remember correctly, they promise to develop age groups teams that can represent the country to schools’ competitions in Australia and New Zealand.”
Athletics Fiji would also like to look at athletes between 13 and 14-years-old in primary schools.
“If we can continue that base and show the athletes that there is a definitely certain pathway they can follow not only at national level but also regional wise.”
“We’re also hoping to see if we can organise a regional secondary school competition inviting Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Island and Vanuatu,” Miller added.
Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com. fj
