Patrick Bower was happy with the development and growth of athletics in the country.

The Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Association (FPSAA) general secretary made the comment after the first day of the 2017 FMF Chow Games at the ANZ Stadium, Suva yesterday.

“I thought the competition was very good,” Bower said.

He commended the efforts put in by the schools especially the athletes from Wainibuka who not only competed against the prominent schools in Suva, but also managed to win gold medals in some events.

Bower also thanked Athletics Fiji for giving them the opportunity in using their technical equipment.

“Primary school athletics is very much part of their development programmes as well as the Coca-Cola Games,”Bower said.

“In fact we have some people from Athletics Fiji canvassing for development of their athletes here today.”

The equipment included the photo-finish and electronic timer.

“It is encouraging that all the officials with the expertise in using the software for the photo-finish and the electronic timings were locally trained.”

He said this indicated the growth in knowledge for officials in terms of the running and organising of the competition.

Bower said that also had a positive impact on how athletes’ perform in terms of understanding the rules and getting accustomed to the atmosphere of top level competition.

Athletics Fiji starter Osea Waqa said athletes responded and adjusted well.

“I am so happy that the FPSAA has come on board to use this equipment.”

The Games continue today

Edited by Osea Bola

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