Sigatoka Methodist College (SMC) athletes aim to stamp their mark at this year’s Coca-Cola Games.

The school won the Nadroga/ Navosa Secondary Schools zone competition for the first time.

SMC coach Nemani Soronakadavu told SUNsports yesterday that they are looking at stepping up their preparation for the Coca- Cola Games.

“The Nadroga zone is just the stepping stone to the Coca- Cola Games, which is a much bigger event because it is the final of all secondary schools athletics meets,” Soronakadavu said.

“So we have told the boys that they need to lift their preparation after the zone, by distancing their jump and throw and also better their time in the 100, 200 metres,  long jump and high jump events.”

He said they were unlucky to win a medal last year however their focus is to change all that this year.

“We have left our zone win behind us now. We are looking to the Coca- Cola Games. Last year we did not win any gold medal so we are looking forward to winning some medals this year.”

Soronakadavu said they are about to shift their training to the sand dunes.

“Our preparation for the zone was basically at Lawaqa Park and that will be our training base but we are also planning to have weekend training at the sand dunes. This is to lift our athletes’ stamina and endurance.”

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Kavekini Vasuitaukei who jumped 6.51m to break the intermediate boys long jump record says, he is now looking forward to the Coca-Cola Games.

“My aim this year is to win a gold medal for my school and I’m working hard to achieve that. I know other schools will be taking part but I believe that with good preparation you can achieve anything,” he said.