Parents raise concerns over Fiji finals ticket price increase

Parents and supporters have expressed concerns regarding the increase of the Fiji Finals ticket prices.

The grandstand three-day package will be $60 compared to $55 during last year’s Coca-Cola Games.

Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association (FSSAA) secretary Biu Colati confirmed during their vehicle handover on Wednesday.

Colati said the $5 increase would go towards the FSSAA Under-16 and U18 team preparation for the Oceania Games in Darwin on May 18-23.

“Our job will be to look for their airfare, uniform and all those kinds of things. We don’t want athletes to be doing any fundraising, and that is why we’ve decided we will increase our ticket price by $5.”

Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) parent Ela Lalovaki said it would be costly for parents.

“It’s very expensive for those who have more than one child in high school, especially parents like us who always support our children,” Lalovaki said.

She added it would also weigh more on parents who travel from maritime islands, interior of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

They’ll probably have to resort to watching TV.”

Another parent, Samuela Vela who travelled from Bua said that new fees would affect their budget.

He said travelling costs from Va-nua Levu required many expenses, especially when staying with relatives in Suva for the duration of the Games.

“Not all parents are government officials and some of us come straight from our farms, while some work as usual farm labour-ers.”

Mere Tuinaceva, a parent who resides in Suva, said the organisers should have consulted them first about the increase, since it was an annual event attended by everyone.

“They should have at least given them a heads-up before raising the fees by $5,” Tuinaceva said.

RKS principal Joseva Jale feels that Fiji Sports Council or Co-ca-Cola Games executives should consider that all students do not have the same family background.

“It’s very important that we think of other factors before de-ciding on any increase in the admission. I hope they will come up with a good decision before they finalise the admission,” Jale said.

Colati said FSSAA would meet with Fiji Sports Council today to discuss the ticket price for embankment and ground.