FOR Coca-Cola Games debutant Nawaka College, stepping on to the Fiji Finals is already a victory.
Head coach Paul Racaca who has guided a small squad through months of preparation to earn their place among the country’s best.
“We started off with time trials where all 80 students participated. From there, we identified 23 athletes and took them to the Nadi Zone competition. That initial group was eventually trimmed to six standout athletes after the Nadi zones,” Racaca explained.
For Nawaka athletes, the journey is about more than medals. It’s about experiencing the intensity, pride, and energy that define the Coca-Cola Games.
“The six students are excited. It’s their first time here, to experience the atmosphere, to run, jump, and throw at this level. It’s a great opportunity for exposure, especially competing in finals at a national event,” Racaca said.
The milestone aligns with the school’s broader vision for the year marking what Racaca describes as the school’s “year of establishment”.
The school is making a deliberate push to engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Athletics has been the starting point in Term One, but the ambition stretches far beyond the track. While Nawaka College marks a debut to the Coca-Cola Games, their purpose is clear.
“Our main aim is to develop young athletes and give them exposure on the national stage,” Racaca shared.
Behind the Nawaka athletes stands a strong support system.
The team acknowledged the backing of the vanua of Nalagi, including Momo na Tui Nawaka, the five villages in the Nawaka district, as well as the school administration, families, and supporters who have rallied behind the team.
