The journey to the 2026 Coca-Cola Games has officially begun, with the Powerade National Torch Relay set to unite communities across Fiji over the next month.
The relay started at 10 today from the Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Fiji manufacturing facility at Laucala Beach.
It will then travel across Viti Levu and Vanua Levu before arriving at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Thursday, 30th April, where the Coca-Cola Games cauldron will be lit to officially open the competition.
Around 150 students from 63 selected secondary schools will carry the torch, symbolising the passion, unity and spirit of Fiji’s largest secondary school sporting event.
Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association President, Ratu Marika Uluinaceva, says the torch relay marks the traditional beginning of the Fiji Finals, also known as the Coca-Cola Games, and represents the final preparations leading up to the official opening.
Ratu Marika says that the 2026 Coca-Cola Games National Championship will be held from Thursday, 30th April to Saturday, 2nd May at the HFC Bank Stadium.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Fiji representative, Lawrence Tikaram says the torch relay is more than just a tradition, describing it as a symbol of hope, resilience and the enduring spirit of young athletes.
Meanwhile, Ratu Marika says they have just signed a new four-year deal with Coca-Cola Europacific and its family of sponsors to further develop athletics in schools and strengthen support systems for young athletes.
He adds that efforts are also being made to improve training, coaching and pathways for athletes, particularly those in rural areas, while aligning Fiji’s athletics standards with international levels.
Ratu Marika has acknowledged the continued support of sponsors, government and the media in helping grow the Games over the years.
He is inviting schools, parents and supporters to come out in numbers to support athletes as they compete at this year’s Coca-Cola Games.
