School gears up for zone meet

Listen to this article:

Aralai Varowai wins the sub-junior girls 100 metres event during the St Joseph’s Secondary School athletics trial at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva last week. Picture: JONA KONATACI

SAINT Joseph’s Secondary School (SJSS) students embarked on a quest to discover potential athletes for the upcoming Suva Zone meet by conducting an athletics trial at the HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Led by former Fiji athlete and current SJSS athletics coach, Joseph Rodan, the focus was on bringing together students who show promise in the realm of athletics and helping them realise their full potential.

Rodan expressed gratitude for the voluntary assistance of some fathers and teachers who stepped up to coach the SJSS team, emphasising the continuity of their trials over the years.

“The meet aimed to assess the potential of the girls, with the support of the St Joseph Athletics club, students, parents, teachers, and the school’s administration,” said Rodan.

The primary goal was to identify the girls’ potential, with some having engaged in off-season training during the holidays.

One hundred girls have been actively training since week one, showcasing their dedication and commitment to the sport.

The trials were met with success, as Rodan encouraged the girls to enjoy each training session and take the journey one day at a time as they prepare for the upcoming zone and Coca-Cola Games.

“We like the girls to come and enjoy the sport and develop their abilities and give their 100 per cent.”

“St Joseph’s definitely has great talent, and to build with the girls, train them let them enjoy the journey as they go along.”

He called upon former scholars, parents, and supporters to rally behind the girls and provide unwavering support as they gear up for the zone competition.

Meanwhile, the second athletics trial will be held in week seven.