MGM’s girls' title victory creates ‘ripple effect for Indo-Fijian schools’.
“Most of the challenges that these (MGM) students have faced is to juggle education and sports with their training life and at the same time manage their injuries,” he said.
Monday 06 May 2024 | 15:44
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro wants students to benefit both athletically and financially from sporting competitions like the Fiji Finals (commonly known as the Coca-Cola Games).
The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School (MGM) athletics head coach Waliki Satakala claims that the school winning the Coke Games girls’ title for the first time, is inspiring other Indo-Fijian schools to focus on growing their students’ sports potential.
“There must be a balance in sports and education,” he told SUNsports on Saturday.
He claimed MGM’s win at the games created a ripple effect that is causing Indo- Fijian schools to change their mindsets when it came to education and sports.
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“Most of the challenges that these (MGM) students have faced is to juggle education and sports with their training life and at the same time manage their injuries,” he said.
Satakala said the MGM students had a special support system with the school facilitates.
“The school has allocated special experts like physiotherapist, chiropractor and masseurs,” he said.
“People are trying things outside of their comfort zone which is a great boost for development in sports as a whole.”
He acknowledged that their win was due to the athletes’ hard work and dedication to their training.
Satakala said their athletes gave up certain privileges, to be able to put their bodies on the line for training.
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School created history in winning the Coke Games in the Girls Division for the first time. Photo: Leon Lord
Four year ambition
“Hats off to them (athletes) as it was their effort and we’re grateful to their families and the school staff along with the sponsors, Gujarati Education Society for making this feat possible.”
Satakala said their ambition to win a Coke Games tittle was a collective board driven motive which started five years ago.
“The Gujarati Education Society, four years ago, mapped out that they want to be eventually winners in 2025, but a year shy of that plan,” he said.
“They have achieved the impossible and their labour has come to fruition.”
“I would like to thank the MGM teachers who cook and do everything for these athletes at camp.”
Satakala acknowledged the athletes’ parents of the athletes for entrusting their children’s welfare to the staff of MGM.
“We also like to thank the Gujarati Education Society as they have invested a lot,” he said.
Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj
