WELCOMING the athletes with a traditional dance that had visitors cheering, the Melanesian Athletics Championship was officially opened yesterday by the Sports Minister Laisenia Tuitubou.

The event includes a total of 15 countries with Fiji being hosts and also serves as the final qualifying event for the Rio Olympics for the region.

With more than 700 athletes participating in the competition Tuitubou said he hoped that the competition served fruitful for the athletes in trying to achieve their dreams.

“It is clear that Oceania athletics is punching above its weight in the world of athletes and for this I congratulate each one of you present today. I wish you a very successful championship and hope for the very best for all your competing athletes,” he said.

Oceania Athletics Association vice president Trevor Spittle said he hoped officials registered for the event would provide an equal playing platform for the athletes and that no “favouritism” would be tolerated.

The competition starts with the men’s senior shot put finals at 2pm at the ANZ Stadium, Suva today.