No Coke Games affect selection: coach Miller

The cancellation of the Coca-Cola Games because of COVID-19 for the past two years have affected the selection of athletes for the Pacific Mini Games.

These were the comments of Athletics Fiji coach Albert Miller after confirming that 10 athletes would represent Fiji in athletics to the Mini Games in Saipan from June 17-25.

Athletics Fiji is looking to strengthen other development programmes to cater for such selection in the future.

“When they did not have the Coke Games we really saw how that affected us. And I think we need to get away from that dependency where we need to stand on our own and have our own development programmes rather than relying on schools,” Miller said.

“I think we need to have our development that runs in association so Cokes or no Coke Game we can still pluck athletes from the

school systems. We have development in other areas but not aggressive enough to make the difference.”

Team Fiji athletics team have three female and seven male athletes including Banuve Tabakaucoro who will defend his 100 and 200 metres title.

Meanwhile, the Coca-Cola Games will be on July 7-9 at the ANZ Stadium, Suva.

Athletics Fiji have selected 10 athletes for the Saipan Mini Games in June

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