THE cold and rain did nothing to douse spirits as schools on the island of Kadavu greeted the 2019 Coca-Cola Kadavu Zone competition.
Students braved the slight drizzle during the opening ceremony parade where chief guest Anare Tawake challenged students on the values of team spirit, bonding and positive mental attitude.
“These values that motivates you in sports must also be taken to the classrooms. You must learn to balance the responsibilities of sports with responsibilities of school work,” Tawake said.
Meanwhile, Kadavu Zone defending boys and girls athletics champion Vunisea Secondary School is ready to defend their title.
But only time will tell when the dust settles at the Kadavu Provincial Secondary School grounds this afternoon.
VSS PEMAC head of department Etuate Waqa said while the rain may affect setting records they expected a good outing and strong competition.
“We have a number of good athletes and we expect a good outing in the field events which we can level up against other zone results,” Waqa said.
He thanked everyone involved in making the competition possible despite the many challenges faced by rural island schools.
Kadavu Zone consists of Vunisea Secondary School, Richmond Methodist High School and 2019 competition hosts Kavala Provincial Secondary School.
All events will feature over the two days except high jump because of the unavailability of jumping equipment.
Over 160 athletes will be part of the competition proper which starts at 10.30am.
