THE Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association (FSSAA) will break new ground this year with the historic inclusion of para-athletes at the Coca-Cola Games.
FSSAA secretary and competition director Biu Colati confirmed that for the first time in the event’s 51-year history, students with disabilities will compete at the national championships.
“One of the highlights of this year is the inclusion of our para-athletes,” Colati said.
“We have been calling ourselves Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Competition for quite a long time… but we have not had the opportunity to include students who are not like the others already participating.”
He described the move as a major step towards inclusivity in school sports.
“This year, for the first time, they are coming in and we are so happy to have them,” he said.
“I think we can now say that this competition is one where every child in Fiji can call it their game.”
Para-athletes will take part in three events — two field events and one track event — as part of an introductory phase, with plans already in place to expand participation through zonal competitions next year.
“They are going to be participating in two field events and one track… this is just an introduction to the game,” Colati said.
The inclusion signals a shift in direction for the Games, reinforcing its role not only as a premier athletics competition but also as a platform for equal opportunity.
