A significant advancement has taken place for student athletes in the Nakasi corridor with the launching of the Naikaciwa Athletics Club, which was officially registered in 2023. The club’s mission is to unite both primary and secondary schools in the Nakasi area, offering a dedicated platform aimed at nurturing athletic talent.
Victoriano Raikaisau, one of the club’s coaches, revealed the motivations behind its establishment, stating, “For the past four years, we have been striving to create a club that gathers schools under one banner to nurture young athletic talent. We identified a gap, as many well-known clubs do not represent the Nausori region. Our club now fills that void.”
Currently, the Naikaciwa Athletics Club features a roster of 30 to 40 athletes, with 15 to 20 regularly attending training sessions. The athletes come from various schools, including Nakasi Primary, St. Joseph the Worker, Bainivalu, and Davuilewu, as well as secondary institutions such as Bawani Dayal, Nashinu Muslim, and primarily Nakasi High School.
Raikaisau highlighted the club’s commitment to community engagement and inclusivity, noting, “We are not charging fees; athletes simply need to bring a water bottle and show up ready to train. Parents have been incredibly supportive, encouraging their children to attend sessions consistently.”
The club has achieved notable success in its brief history, with athletes from Naikaciwa performing admirably at the national Coca-Cola Games. In 2022, the club stood out by defeating established competitors like Lelean Memorial School and winning the Triple N zone. The following year, they earned nine medals and finished sixth overall in the 2023 Coca-Cola Games. Raikaisau expressed pride in their achievements, sharing his gratitude toward God, parents, and supporters of their program.
Looking to the future, the club has set ambitious goals for the 2026 Coca-Cola Games and beyond. Raikaisau encourages aspiring young athletes in the Nakasi corridor to join, saying, “If you don’t have a coach or a place to train, the club is open to you. Come to Nakasi High or contact us. We are here to help you develop your fitness and athletic skills.”
The establishment of the Naikaciwa Athletics Club marks a vital milestone in nurturing athletic talent at the grassroots level within the Nakasi corridor, generating opportunities for young athletes to succeed both locally and nationally. This initiative not only fortifies community spirit but also holds promise for the next generation of athletes to flourish.