THE pieces are in place, the officials are ready, it’s all systems go and athletes plus supporters are in safe hands as the Coca-Cola Games starts today.
It’s the word of assurance from Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association secretary and competition director Biu Colati.
He gave the green light at a press conference yesterday.
“Everything that needs to be put in place is now ready. All our officials’ briefings have been done, the managers briefing has been done,” Colati said.
And prior to him walking into the corporate box room of the HFC Bank Stadium where the media briefing took place, they had wrapped up the security briefing with members of the Fiji Police Force.
The force’s representative who also appeared in the press conference was the Divisional Police Commander – Southern, Superintendent of Police (SP) Luke Cereasiga.
Seated with them was the Coca-Cola Europacific Partners representative Lawrence Tikaram.
Meanwhile, Colati stressed safety was a paramount point of consideration as the games kicks off and continues until Saturday.
“I could assure all our supporters, especially parents, some (might) probably be worried about things that are happening around,” he stated.
“I can assure you that our games will be safe and your kids are going to be in safe hands.”
His sentiments on a safe Games stems from the heightened levels of security put in place for this year’s Games with more than 200 police officers working around the clock within and around the stadium and Suva to ensure safety remained a priority at all levels. Vehicle checks will also be carried out for all vehicles entering and leaving the stadium as all hands are on deck to cater for the 155 secondary schools and more than 2000 athletes plus thousands of spectators turning up to cheer them on.
Vehicle checks, added manpower for Police
ENHANCED levels of security will unfold from today by the Fiji Police Force as day one of the 2026 CocaCola Games National Championship kicks off.
More than 200 officers will be stationed not just at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva but in outer sections
around the Suva area.
And vehicle checks will be carried out on all vehicles moving in and out of the stadium, a first for the
games and a step forward in implementing tougher security measures aimed at safeguarding athletes,
officials and spectators.
The level of security will enforce the vast height of delicate care taken towards ensuring the Games
proceeds in a safe and timely manner, as thousands of people are expected to cross the gates into the
stadium over the next three days.
This was relayed by the Divisional Police Commander – Southern, Superintendent of Police (SP) Luke
Cereasiga at a joint press conference at the stadium yesterday.
Cereasiga emphasised the momentum towards a concerted approach for security was of the essence.
“For the Fiji Police Force, our posture and strategy on the ground remains the same,” Cereasiga told the
media.
“Otherwise, it’s slightly increased; the momentum this year with a few of the changes that we have
learned from the past years to improve and make sure the envuironment for the Coca-Cola Games
2026 is safe to all the 150 schools that are already staying in Suva with 2000 plus athletes.”
The Games start today and will end on Saturday.
Calls for responsible social media use
WITH mass hysteria and high levels of sporting mania set to unfold as the Coca-Cola Games starts
today, Games’ organising committee member Lawrence Tikaram is urging all fans to exercise a
responsible use of social media.
Tikaram made the call at a press briefing at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday., urging all social
media users passionate in expressing their opinions to be mindful of the athletes competing on the field
and the tracks.
“As you can see, social media plays a very big part of the Games and I really ask as well that people posting online be mindful of what they say and what they actually mention online, because
at the centre of this remains the athlete,” Tikaram emphasised.
“And at the centre of the athlete remains his parents, his brothers, his sisters and at the centre of
that family remains his congregation or where he represented.”
He urged all users to keep that in mind and to instead pivot themselves towards supporting these athletes
with the drive to excel and do their best at the Games.
“Let’s be mindful of that and let’s encourage these athletes to come out and show what they are truly
capable of.
“Putting all the banter aside and all the good rivalry we’ve had over the years, this is going to probably
one of the biggest Games, with 155 secondary schools confirmed so far as of last night (Tuesday night).”
“We encourage responsible behaviour on social media, to encourage your athletes, your former
colleagues, your students, your brothers and sisters, to come out and give them the full support that they
need.”
Tikaram’s sentiments expanded to the broader aspect of what the encouragement would mean for
these athletes in the long run.
“This is the future of Fiji that we are talking about; this is what we’re trying to build.
“This is what we are trying to show; their dreams and aspirations become a reality from tomorrow (today)
