The stage is set for what is building up to be a very interesting Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Finals at the National Stadium in Suva starting today.
The hypes building up. Expectation is high! The fans are anticipating an exciting event. The sponsors have come onboard and the athletes are ready.
Over 2500 athletes will converge on the National Stadium for the three-day event.
They come from 155 schools around the country, competing in 150 events which get underway at 10.30am today.
In the boys’ division, defending champions Marist Brothers High School will be determined to hold on to their crown, but the challenge ahead is quite strong, and based on recent results, that will come from giants Queen Victoria School and Ratu Kadavulevu School from Tailevu, and Natabua High School from Lautoka.
These schools will bring in depth, commitment and a willingness to push the boundaries.
In the girls’ division, reigning champions Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School will be chasing a historic third consecutive title. They come in with experience. They will be the team to beat.
They will have massive challenges from the likes of Adi Cakobau School from Sawani, Suva Grammar School and Jasper Williams High School from Lautoka. All these schools have what it takes to be the top runners.
In saying that, we can’t rule out any of the teams that will be competing in the competition. They have done the hard yards. They have made sacrifices and they have hopes and aspirations too.
This is about the best in the competition converging on the Laucala Bowl for a memorable 2026 event.
It is about living up to expectations and living dreams.
It is about falling back on preparation and testing standards against the best in the track and field at high school level.
When all things are said and done, the athletes will join a privileged list of our nation’s best girls and boys at high school level.
There is no doubt about the fact that the games holds an important place in the minds and hearts of thousands of people in Fiji.
The weeks of preparation, in all quarters, from the athletes to the parents and guardians, the teachers, fans, supporters at school and old scholars, will culminate with this week’s event. It will be a defining moment for every athlete.
The competition has grown over the years, right from the early 1960s.
Some athletes have made the transition to representative honours. Others have travelled different paths.
Yet they all had a hand in making this event what it is today, arguably one of the biggest and most popular athletics shows in our region.
We welcome all those who will be part of the Fiji Finals and wish every athlete the very best.
Go forward and build memories!
