The stage is set for a massive Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Finals starting tomorrow at the National Stadium in Suva.
About 2747 athletes, from 153 schools will be converging on the Laucala Bowl for three days of top level athletics.
They will run on the tracks, participate in field events, and will be cheered on by students, old scholars, teachers, parents and guardians from around the country.
It is an annual event thousands of people look forward to.
With so much hype surrounding the event, we note the Land Transport Authority has come out urging road users to speak out against unruly behaviour on our roads.
LTA acting CEO Irimaia Rokosawa believes road users must break the culture of silence on bad road behaviour.
While the authority recognised the significance of the games, the safety of people on the roads must be prioritised.
That’s why reckless driving must be monitored.
People ignoring road rules, speeding, and driving dangerously have been put on notice.
In saying that, the police are focused on ensuring the safety and security of all participants and attendees from tomorrow through to Saturday.
Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations (ACP) Livai Driu yesterday announced comprehensive measures aimed at safeguarding the athletes, supporters, parents and teachers throughout the event.
They include heightened police presence through school visitations alongside strategic meetings with nightclub operators to thwart any attempts by minors to access these venues during the games.
Officers have been mobilised from headquarters level and specialised units to reinforce security operations.
ACP Driu emphasised the collaborative role of community policing officers across all divisions working closely with school authorities to gather essential information on travel and accommodation arrangements for participating schools.
Traffic management remains a top priority, with awareness campaigns conducted in collaboration with the LTA.
There will be strict enforcement measures, including flag confiscation and removal of unruly people from public transport, with repercussions for drivers who allow such behaviour.
The police are also intensifying efforts to fight drug-related activities.
ACP Driu said it was difficult to rule out the fact that students may be exposed or lured into taking or selling drugs.
Amidst the excitement leading up to the much-anticipated event, it is encouraging to see emphasis placed on safety.
In saying that, we are also encouraged by the emphasis on safety on our roads. It makes sense that a multi-pronged approach is important for such an event as the Fiji Finals.
With thousands of people expected to be travelling to the event, such collaboration is important.
The stage is set for a memorable event!
