19-year-old Sunia Tabuanitoga of CMF College claimed the 100 metres Senior Boys race with a time of 11.62 seconds during the combine inter-house competition at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
The combine inter-house competition features three schools including CMF College, Lami High School and Ballentine Memorial School.
Tabuanitoga won the heats with a time of 10.92 seconds.
While speaking to fijivillage News, Tabuanitoga says he is grateful to the Lord for the strength and ability that helped him throughout his training.
He says he started running in Year 9 in the 400 metres while attending Ratu Sukuna Memorial School.
In Year 10, he ran in the 100-metres but did not make it to the Coca-Cola Games due to injuries.
Tabuanitoga says he will now start preparing for the Zone and try to improve a few areas.
He also acknowledges his parents for raising him and supporting him throughout his journey.
Insert: Viti Only Tabuanitoga 4th Feb 26
Ballantine Memorial School Heads of Department Christopher Waqa says this marks the first time all three schools have competed together in the inter-house format.
He adds that last year’s competition featured only BMS and Lami High School, with CMF College joining the event this year.
He says the athletics program featured sprint events including the 100m, 200m, and 400m races, as well as jump events and the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.
Waqa adds that long-distance and throwing events were completed earlier at the respective schools.
According to Waqa, the competition is expected to remain between the three schools in coming years to ensure the program runs smoothly and maintains a strong level of competition without time constraints.
He shares that BMS is fielding a strong team this year, including returning gold medalist Luisa Qisia and a promising group of Year 9 students in the sub-junior division.
Waqa explains that the school has also welcomed several new students from other schools, further strengthening its squad.
Beyond competition, Waqa emphasises the importance of sports in addressing social challenges affecting youths.
He highlights that keeping students actively involved in athletics and team sports helps steer them away from negative influences, including drug issues.
He says the schools plan to continue expanding sports participation in Term Two with various team sports programs.
Waqa also expresses gratitude to school principals, parents, and stakeholders for their support.
Insert: Waqa – 4th Feb 26
For the Senior Girls division, Lami High School’s Krystelle Kamikamica finished with a time of 11.35 seconds.
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