Para-athletes to compete at Coca-Cola Games for the first time - Athletics Association GS Colati

For the first time, para-athletes will compete in the Coca-Cola Games this year, marking a historic step towards greater inclusivity in secondary school athletics in Fiji.

General Secretary of the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association, Biu Colati, says para-athletes will take part in four events during the competition as organisers begin integrating them into the annual games.

Colati says the association has been preparing for this milestone for the past two years, including making the necessary amendments to its constitution to allow para-athletes to formally participate in the competition.

He says organisers have encouraged participation even if athletes compete in just one event, emphasising that their involvement is an important step in expanding opportunities for young athletes with disabilities.

Colati adds another milestone for this year’s Coca-Cola Games is the invitation extended to Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya, who has agreed to become the first woman to officially open the games.

The 2026 Coca Cola Games will be held from the 30th of April to the 2nd of May.

Meanwhile, Suva Zone 2 will be held from next Tuesday to Wednesday, while Suva Zone 1 will be staged from next Thursday to Friday.