Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics  officials to observe two-day competition

The Western Division FMF Chow Games that begins at Churchill Park, Lautoka today will see a record 1275 athletes taking part over the two-day event.

For the first time also, the Games this year have been enhanced with photo finishing equipment brought in from Brisbane, Australia and the running of the show by officials from Oceania Athletics.

Games co-ordinator Andrew Pillay said yesterday this was also the first time all districts throughout the Western division would be taking part.

“In the past we usually have one or two districts missing but this year all are represented,” Pillay said.

The districts taking part are Nadarivatu, Ra, Ba, Tavua, Lautoka who will have two teams, Nadi, Nadroga, Navosa and the whole Yasawa Group.

Lautoka have been divided into two teams, Maroons and Gold, because of the big number of athletes taking part.

Also taking part are two new schools, Nadi Christian School and American International School from Nadi.

Pillay said the biggest plus for this year’s Games was the representation from all schools from Yasawa.

Lautoka will defend the boy’s crown while Nadroga will fight hard to retain the girl’s division.

Overall winners from last year, Lautoka, will have a stiff competition on their hands.

“I have been watching the athletes from Yasawa taking part and they look very good, especially the long distance races.

“Actually Yasawa are bigger than Ra and Ba contingent so they should make their presence felt.

“Also you should expect strong competition from Nadi and Nadroga and also the long distance runners from Ra and Nadarivatu.”

TOP OFFICIALS

Oceania Athletics director Yvonne Mullins and top official Hazel McDonald will be in charge of the event.

Pillay said the Oceania Athletics officials were also present to gauge the meet and see how it could hold future athletics championship.

Also on hand would be officials from the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics who will also see how this big event would hold out should the annual secondary schools meet (Coca- Cola Games) is shifted to Churchill Park.Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj