86 schools take part in torch relay

EIGHTY-SIX schools will be taking part in the 2024 Powerade National Torch Relay which was officially lit yesterday, marking the beginning of the annual Coca-Cola Games.

The lighting of the torch was held at the Coca-Cola Amatil head office in Laucala Beach in the presence of representatives of 2023 champions, Adi Cakobau School and Marist Brothers High School along with Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association president Marika Uluinaceva and sponsors.

The torch, which was taken to Taveuni yesterday afternoon, will visit 86 schools in a span of five weeks.

“The national torch relay is a symbol of national unity; it is a symbol of hopes and inspiration that these students will carry over the next 21 days.

“Converging over 86 schools, it brings out the message of hope and inspiration of every single athlete that will be able to participate at the Coca-Cola Games,” Coca-Cola marketing manager Lawrence Tikaram stated.

Ronald Krishna, who represented the Ministry of Education at the lighting events said, “As part of students’ development, we are not only looking at the academic side but the holistic development. Coke Games is an annual event, so we are again joining hands with partners and we wish the very best to all participating schools.”

The Fiji Finals is Fiji’s biggest annual athletics event and a lot of new talent is expected to be uncovered.

“Everything is shaping up well for the national finals at the end of the term. We have been having a lot of good support from the Government as we try to make the games better every year, we couldn’t have done that without the unwavering support of our sponsors,” FSSAA president Marika Uluinaceva said.

The Fiji Finals is scheduled for May 2-4 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.