Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Association president Patrick Bower has urged primary schools to have specific physical education (PE) teachers.

He indicated that only a few primary schools in the country have PE teachers including International School Suva.

However, he said the first day of the Fiji Primary Schools Tuckers Ice Cream Games has showcased great talents from students around the country.

“The athletes who have come has given them their exposure but it is obviously showing that physical education is being neglected both in primary and secondary schools,” he said.

“Physical education isn’t just about rugby. It’s not just about soccer. It’s not just about netball. It’s a rounded programme.

“Unfortunately, you rarely hear a physical education teacher at the primary school, but you have a physical education teacher at secondary, and why not in the primary? It’s a specific job for a physical education, teacher.”

Bower added that it was not only about sports or athletics but holistic development of a child’s education.

He applauded officials and teachers for Day One despite being an hour late of the scheduled time.

Like any athletics meet, it was not a smooth programme.

He said most entries from districts were late, which resulted in athletes names missing or being represented by another.

“Once they select a team, they must stick to that team even if the good runner went to play rugby.

“Some of them went on to play rugby and then they expect to come back their entries have been entered and then they come along and in somebody else.

“We’ve had some opposition in the fact that we’ve had a bit of rainfall, a few glitches with making sure that the athletes knew where their events were and that they got to the marshaling area on schedule and then were taken out,” Bower said.

He was happy with performances of athletes and commended coaches for a great job.

The competition resumed last year in Lautoka following the COVID-19 pandemic which cancelled all annual sports meet for a few years.

The competition ends today.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj