Two days of spectacular athletics action at the Fiji Sports Council’s ANZ Stadium in Laucala Bay, Suva witnessed the crowning of new Coca-Cola Games champions in the boys division.
Never before has the western division won both categories as Lautoka schools Natabua High claimed the boys title for the first time and Jasper Williams High retained the girls crown for the third consecutive year.
Natabua fielded an 86-strong squad this year led by top runner Batinisavu Ulaiata and took the top prize following superb performances on Day two (Saturday) while Jasper dominated with their 69-member squad.
The overall medal tally saw Natabua finish off with 17 gold, 11 silver and 5 bronze medals – Queen Victoria took second spot with 9 gold, 5 silver and bronze while it was disappointment for former champions Marist Brothers High school who came in third with 7 gold, 10 silver and 14 bronze.
Suva Grammar School came in fourth place followed by Ratu Kadavulevu School.
In the girls category, Jasper won by miles with 21 gold, 9 silver and 6 bronze, Adi Cakobau School followed with 7 gold, 17 silver and 9 bronze – Natabua ladies were third with 3 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze.
Saint Josephs and Gospel followed suit.
Best female athlete was won by Gospel sprinter Younis Bese while Marist Brothers shot-putter Mustafa Fall claimed the Best Male Athlete award after setting a new record in his event which was earlier held by SGS rep Sikipio Fihaki in 2001.
Thousands filled the ANZ Stadium over two days in what is the Pacific’s biggest secondary schools athletics event.
Congratulations to Natabua High and Jasper Williams High School for taking out the top prize this year and special acknowledgement to all who competed.