The prowess of Fijians in many different sports is well-known to people all over the world.

These remarks were made by the Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Mahendra Reddy during the official opening of the 2017 Coca-Cola Games at the ANZ Stadium, Suva on Friday.

He said the event is calendared as one of the most looked forward by all secondary schools across the country.

“The representation of students from schools from all parts of Fiji is what makes this athletics event so special,” he said.

“I have been following some zonal athletics competitions which have culminated before the final Games meet this year and I can see clearly that every year the schools are coming with greater vigour and endurance and this is reflected in their improved performances in the zonal events. This is great for athletics and sports in Fiji on a whole,” Reddy said.

“I wish to remind you that this Games meet is more than just participating; it’s full of life lessons.

“It can teach you about failure, joy, disappointment, excitement, winning and losing, maturity, teamwork, humility and selflessness. To students, you all must understand that in sports some have to win while some have to lose. Losing is not the end of everything. In fact it is the start of winning,” Reddy added.