ROTUMA High School is aiming high at this year’s Coca-Cola Games, carrying with them the hopes of their island home.
Team manager Bale Vakawaraivalu confirmed that seven athletes, six boys and one girl, have made the long journey from Rotuma to compete in the three-day competition.
This is an increase from last year’s team of five athletes.
Despite their limited numbers, the team has already shown promise, securing a silver medal last year.
“Our main mission is to compete and try to be the best. We’ve done the preparation and we believe we are ready. Our goal is to take gold back to Rotuma,” Vakawaraivalu said.
Preparation began on the island before the team travelled to Suva last week, with athletes continuing their training upon arrival.
Vakawaraivalu said preparations were affected by challenging adverse weather conditions, but the team remained focused.
However, the journey to the national stage has not been easy. One of the biggest hurdles is the long and demanding sea trip from Rotuma, which can take more than two days.
Limited access to proper training facilities on the island is another ongoing challenge.
“Those challenges motivate us,” he said.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to train on a proper track here at HFC Bank Stadium.”
Rotuma High athletes will compete mainly in field events, including shot put, discus, and javelin across various grades.
The team also features a lone female thrower competing in the girls sub-junior shot put and discus.
Vakawaraivalu has called on Rotumans living in Suva and across Fiji to rally behind the team during the three-day Coca-Cola Games competition.
