OLYMPIAN Jovesa Naivalu is happy with the athletes’ preparation for the 2016 Melanesian Athletics Championship which will be held in Fiji next month.
Naivalu in 1996 competed for Fremont High School in California winning in the 110 metres hurdles at the California State Meet in 1995 and 1996.
He is coaching the western athletes for the competition. He said it was an opportune time for the young athletes to make a name for themselves.
“The athletes are coping with the level of competition at the moment from secondary to the national level,” he said.
“For many, it is their first time to be part of the national team and they are really excited for the championship.
“The atmosphere is also very different for many and they are adjusting into the new environment.
” It is a challenge for them to make a history and create something new for them.”
Naivalu also played for the Eagles USA 7s team on the wings in 2001.
He said despite all the struggles of long travelling, athletes are eager to represent Fiji.
“With the competitions which we are having week in and week out are good for the young athletes and they can get the feel of the high level of competition.
“They are on par with the training and fitness level is good at the moment,” he added.
It had been a struggle for us travelling four hours to Suva and then head back after training. I told them that we are doing this for the country and we will be going through many struggles to achieve personal goals as well.”
The championship will be held from July 7-9 at ANZ Stadium in Suva.
