The countdown to the Coca Cola Games officially starts today as the 13 days journey of the national torch relay begins.
178 selected students from 77 schools will take part in the relay as the symbolic torch is carried through villages, schools, cities and towns around Fiji.
The actual torch that was used by Mohammad Ali in the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 will be carried around the country.
For the first time ever, secondary schools in Ovalau, Kadavu and Taveuni will get to be part of the torch relay.
Coca Cola Amatil Marketing Manager Lawrence Tikaram said there is more pressure off the field than on the field when it comes to the games.
Coca Cola Games chief organizer Vuli Waqa said the torch relay is a significant part of the annual event.
11 schools will be part of the first day of the national torch relay which starts from Nasinu Secondary School at 8:30am today and ends at Adi Cakobau School at 3pm.
Defending champions Marist Brothers and Jasper Williams High School will complete the national torch relay on April 25th which is also the opening day of the Coca Cola Games.
Story by: Akuila Cama