Coke Refund: Waiting

Six months after its cancellation there is still no decision on the refunding of this year’s Coca-Cola Games ticket sales.

When schools closed in March due to the COVID-19 delta variant, tickets for the April 22 – 24 popular event to be held at the ANZ Stadium, Suva were sold-out.

Grandstand tickets were sold for $45 for the three days. Organisers only sold 50 per cent of the 4062 sitting capacity according to COVID-19 protocol and restrictions.

The ANZ Stadium sitting capacity is 15,000 (with 4062 bucket seats), the remainder for those on the concrete and grass embankment.

And with 50 per cent seating sellout, more than $90,000 is supposed to have been collected from schools who had either block booked or bought tickets individually.

Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association general secretary Vuli Waqa said plans regarding the Coke Games tickets will depend on the Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts decision.

Permanent Secretary Angeela Jokhan said discussion on whether the Games will be held is uncertain.

“This is something we will have to discuss with relevant stakeholders after our students return to school,” Jokhan said.

“We will have to monitor the situation. We have not yet decided on a date when all students will return to school. This will depend on their safely returning to school.

“It is too early for us to comment on this.”

Waqa said they will make plans once the ministry gives the greenlight.

“We could either refund or use it for the next games – but that will be decided later as we wait for the ministry’s decision,” Waqa said.

“We are awaiting confirmation from the Ministry so we can confirm bookings of the ANZ Stadium and other things.”

The ministry has confirmed that only those in Years 12 and 13 return to school next month with the rest to start in January.

Fiji Sports Council said they needed to liaise with relevant stakeholders before they issue a statement regarding Cokes ticket holders.

At the announcement of the cancellation the Maritime zone featuring Adi Maopa Secondary (Vanuabalavu), Ratu Finau College (Lakeba), Cicia High, Gau Secondary and Koro High was aborted.

There are 18 zones: Ba (10 schools), Bua/Dreketi (five), Kadavu (three), Lautoka (13), Macuata 1 (11), Macuata 2 (9), Maritime (five), Nadi (14), Nadroga (nine), Naitasiri (three), Ovalau (three), Savusavu (seven), Suva 1 (22), Suva 2 (13), Tailevu (seven), Taveuni (four), Tavua/ Vatukaoula/Ra (12) abd Triple N (18). The Coke Games usually sees the participation of more than 2500 athletes.