My Cokes 2013 Experience

Every year we all get to see new things at the Coca Cokes. For me this year was totally different as I was actually part of a media team that covered the two day event. So there were somethings that I was going to experience that had a bearing on this year's Coke Games' experience.

Schools at the Opening Ceremony.

First of all was the prediction of the winners of this year's Games with competition expected to be tough especially with the polished new facilities. All schools had prepared themselves on grass tracks so there was no excuse for them to fall short of the big Suva schools. With new winners to be named for the sprint events and the two defending champions to defend their titles, it was worth every cent for anyone and everyone who converged at the grounds over the two days.

Being a frequent spectator at the annual event, I had billed schools from outside of Suva to do the most damage with preparation levels of all participating schools being on a equal playing field.

And damage it was, with Jasper Williams High School working away with the girls' division for the first time after the title had been in Sawani for 12 long years. Marist Brothers High School managed to defend their title by withstanding tough competition from Suva Grammar, Xavier, Natabua and QVS.

Athletes of Jasper Williams High School

Benaminio Maravu and Sisilia Seavula were crowned the sprint champs for 2013 after they won both the sprint events.

Benaminio Maravu

Injuries, as always, was part of the Games yet again with plenty athletes being injured during and after their events. Some athletes like Elonoa Sailosi had been injured prior to the Games which hindered a 100% performance from the queen of Sawani although she still managed to grab two silver medals while being in a injured state.

Sisilia Seavula and Elenoa Sailosi

Cheering gets better each year with parents and old scholars joining in the fun. Athletes from schools such as International School Nadi received a lot of cheer whenever they participated, at times a little more then the actual winners did.

Supporters

Sportsmanship was fairly maintained throughout and this was carefully monitored by the joint efforts of Fiji Police and Fiji Navy officers.

Another interesting thing for me this year was see the reactions of one my colleagues who is actually an exchange student from USA. I thought that Mike really had a good time covering the event especially around all the hype that Fijian people bring when it comes to sports.

Mike Liudahl

With the Games now finished for yet another year, the only thing most athletes can reflect back on is their performance at this year's Games start preparing beforehand for next year. While those who leave secondary school next year face the questions of what avenues to pursue; Whether to continue with their athletics career? Whether to take up other sports which hold better opportunities for them? Or whether to pursue other aspects of life?