ON July 3, 2003, Fiji was still in the midst of the Pacific Games, known back then as the South Pacific Games.
The event had begun with a lot of confusion especially after an opening ceremony which lasted seven hours. The people who had gathered endured the long and improperly organised opening ceremony showed great patience.
In 2003, the president of Fiji was the late Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara who was 83 years old at the function and spent seven hours at the National Stadium.
The student volunteers from the University of the South Pacific, who would play an integral part of the games as score keepers and games assistants, were dealt the biggest blow as their promised meal allocation was held back.
This was a cost control measure.
William Prasad was a volunteer at the athletics venue. He recalled that many of the volunteers had resigned following the announcement in the meal cut backs.
“We just resigned because we were working really hard. Imagine we were not getting paid for it and then they cut our meals,” he said.
“I think immediately after that they restored the full meals and those that had resigned resumed duties again because the games volunteers were an important part of the event.”
Despite the setback on the opening day, the 2003 SPG was a very memorable one. Fiji finished second on the medal tally with 65 gold medals, 59 silver and 53 bronze. This was Fiji’s best ever medal haul at any Pacific Games.
The games led to major development for sports. The Vodafone Arena, The National Hockey Centre, Damodar Aquatic Centre, the National Sailing Centre and the National Canoe Centres were established and are still being used.
Because of those facilities Fiji has been able to host many international events including the recent Oceania Swimming and Weightlifting championships. And starting next week is the Melanesian Athletics Championship.
Athletics Fiji president Joe Rodan said he expected a high standard from athletes as the event would present to many, their last chance to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio.
