Marist Brothers High School Principal Ben Salacakau believes this will be a tough year for them in the Coca-Cola Games after losing most of their potential Gold medalists to overseas scholarships and other schools.
After winning the Suva Zone 2, Salacakau says the Coca-Cola Games always means a lot to the Marist family.
He believes that Marist will struggle this year in the sprint events but students have been encouraged to fill in the gaps in the field events.
Marist sprinters Lasarusa Senibale and Waisake Nakavu have both taken up scholarships in New Zealand, Junior Boys Shot Put record holder Sekonaia Bulu has gone to Japan while last year’s Junior Boys Discus Silver medalist Maximus Lestro has gone to Lelean Memorial School.
Another potential gold medalist, Joseva Tabakaucoro was ruled out for five weeks after an injury he suffered at the Easter Games.
Marist finished second last year with 10 gold, 8 silver and 7 bronze while Natabua High School won with 12 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze. The defending girls champion is Adi Cakobau School.
The Coca-Cola Games will be held next Thursday to Saturday at the ANZ Stadium.
