The inclusion of Gau Secondary School has made the Lomaiviti Zone athletics competition very competitive, says Arieta Mataitoga Banuve.

The zone meet manager said on Friday Gau athletes ended the domination of bigger schools.

“In the past, the bigger schools dominate because they have most students competing,”she said.

“But with Gau Secondary coming in they have made inroads and won some major events as well.”

Banuve said the Lomaiviti Zone officials are going to meet and finalise their athletes for the Coca-Cola Games next month.

She indicated they have to ensure athletes meet the standards set by the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association.

“The bar has been set and we’ve to raise our standards. This year our zone competition had improved and this is due to the involvement of Gau Secondary School,” she said.

Banuve confirmed St John’s College topped the medal tally in the boys category with 16 gold, 10 silvers, 12 bronze followed by Levuka Public School (14, 17,15).

The girls division was won by Levuka Public School with 23 gold, 24 silvers, 11 bronze medals followed by Gau Secondary (13, 12, 7).