Marist ready for the Coke Games - Coach

Defending Coca-Cola Games boys’ champions, Marist Brothers High School, are heading into this year's competition in high spirits, with no injury concerns among their athletes.

Head coach Antonio Raboiliku told fijivillage Sports that the team is well-prepared, but acknowledged that Queen Victoria School will be the team to beat in the boys’ division, given their strong performances during the zone competitions.

Raboiliku says they respect all competing schools, especially the favourites, as they gear up for this year’s games.

He adds that three of last year’s gold medallists are returning and are playing key mentoring roles for younger athletes. Among them is Ebenezer Saukuru, who won gold in the Intermediate Boys’ javelin at the 2025 Coca-Cola Games with a throw of 58.85 metres.

The coach says another athlete to watch is Kirikiti Biu, who claimed gold in the junior boys’ 100 metres last year.

Raboiliku says the team has 58 athletes competing this year and is focused on improving on last year’s performance.

He says Marist secured the overall title in 2025 with 12 gold, 9 silver, and 9 bronze, totaling 30 medals across all events.

He emphasised that the athletes are mentally, physically, and spiritually prepared for the three days of competition.

The Coca-Cola Games will kick off with field events including the Junior Girls High Jump, Junior Boys Shot Put, Intermediate Boys Long Jump, Intermediate Boys Discus, Junior Girls Javelin, Senior Girls Triple Jump, and Intermediate Girls Shot Put at 10.30 this morning.

The first track event will be the 400 metres heats at 10.40am, followed by the 100 metres heats at 12.15pm, then the 4x400 metres relay at 2.20pm.

The 1,500 metres finals will start at 5.15pm, while the 100 metres finals are scheduled for 6.10pm.

You can catch the live commentaries of selected races of the Coca-Cola Games on our sister radio station, Viti FM on the fijivillage app and on 92.2FM for Suva, Nausori, Central Division, Labasa, Nadi, and Lautoka, 92.6FM for Rakiraki, and 92FM for Sigatoka, the Coral Coast, Tavua, Vatukoula, Ba, and Savusavu.

Stay with us for updates of the games.