Test of times for ACS athletes
A STRONG 60-member athletics squad from Adi Cakobau School participated in a friendly West Athletics meet on Saturday at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
ACS athletics head coach Antonio Raboiliku said the reason for their participation was conditioning.
“The western schools are more prone to the heat and they enjoy that advantage,” Raboiliku said.
“We are used to the wet weather conditions in Suva and the sole intention for our participation today (Saturday) was to get used to the humid conditions experienced in the West.”
The ACS team had a friendly run against traditional rival, Jasper Williams High School. It was a chance to test the times the oppositions could offer when the games start in Suva on Thursday.
“We haven't trained in conditions prevalent in the western half of Fiji."
Raboiliku said the ACS contingent was gearing up for any weather that would prevail during the Coke Games.
"We are trying to be ready for any weather condition next week (this week), whether it will rain or sunshine.
“It has to do with the girls conditioning as we prepare for the Fiji Finals.”
He heaped praises on the stiff level of competition the schools in the West were renowned for.
“The best competition is always in the West. And since there was no event to compete in Suva on the weekend, we thought to attend the friendly athletics meet in Lautoka.”
The former Jasper Williams High School athletics coach said it was the last phase of their preparation before the secondary schools athletics meet in the Pacific region commenced.
“It was also to gauge our strength and rectify our weaknesses before the big one at the ANZ Stadium.
“Despite it being a friendly athletics meet, it is always a challenge to participate against the western schools.”
Raboiliku said the secret behind the Sawani girls’ success was being meticulous and seeking divine intervention.
He requested former scholars, parents and teachers to rally behind the ‘Waimanu Kui brigade’ for the much-anticipated CocaCola Games.
“Please come and support the girls. Pray for them and I am positive they will do their best on the field and tracks.
“We will be there to compete and not make the numbers.”
The 2021 Coca-Cola Games will be held at Suva's ANZ Stadium, starting on Thursday and culminating on Saturday.
We are trying to be ready for any weather condition next week, whether it will rain or sunshine. – Antonio Raboiliku