Six secondary schools lifted the atmosphere at the HFC Bank Stadium during a combined inter-house athletics meet hosted by Nakasi High School.
Participating schools included Davuilevu Methodist High School, Noco Secondary School, Nabua Secondary School, Rewa Secondary School and Naitasiri Secondary School.
One of the highlights of the day was Veresa Rayawa of Nakasi High School, who clocked an impressive 11.09 seconds to win the Senior Boys 100 metres final.Kesaia Seruvatu of Nabua Secondary School recorded 13.90 seconds to win the Senior Girls final.
Nakasi High has made its objective for the season clear — defend the boys division title at the Triple N Zone and build strongly towards the Fiji Finals.
Principal Praveen Chand says the zone competition remains a crucial stepping stone, but the bigger focus is improving their overall performance at the national level.
He says Nakasi created history in 2022 and 2024 after upsetting favourites to win the Triple N Zone boys title and finishing sixth at the Fiji Finals.
He also says the boys were runners-up in 2023 and again last year.
Chand says the school is fielding about half of its girls and boys athletes this year and is concentrating on building intensity over the next five weeks leading up to the zone meet.
He stresses that preparation, discipline and teamwork will be key to defending their title and improving their Fiji Finals performance.
Chand also reiterated that drugs and sports do not mix, emphasising that students who want to reach the pinnacle of sport must commit to a drug-free lifestyle.
Other results in the 100 metres, Malakai Roroivalu of Nakasi won the Intermediate boys final in 11.97 seconds.
In the Junior grade, Waisele Masikerei of Nabua finished in 12.66 seconds, while Menusa Kunadua claimed the Sub-Junior title in 12.15 seconds for Nabua.
In the girls’ division, Suluana Raicebe of Nabua won the Junior grade final in 14.63 seconds, while Buloulele Secake of Noco Secondary School took out the Intermediate final in 13.56 seconds.
Meanwhile, Tevita Mataiasi finished the 800 metres final in 2 minutes and 10 seconds.