Ballantine Memorial School recently organized a lively inter-house athletics event at the HFC Bank Stadium, competing alongside Lami High School and CMF College. This year’s event marks a significant evolution from the previous year’s format, expanding from a two-school affair to include a third institution, which helps foster a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition among all participants.
Christopher Waqa, the Head of Department for Physical Education, Music, and Art and Craft at Ballantine Memorial, conveyed his excitement about the increased level of participation. “The competition brings out the best in the three schools. I thank the three principals for allowing this to happen. Last year, we had Lami, and this year CMF has come on board. So that’s very healthy for us,” he expressed.
The school is actively preparing for the upcoming Suva Zone 1 competition and the highly-anticipated Fiji Finals, showcasing their commitment to athletic excellence. Waqa highlighted the dedication and hard work of the girls’ athletics team, which has been engaging in rigorous training sessions, both in the morning and afternoon, and undergoing time trials to improve their performance.
“We still have a few of our medallists from last year from the Coke Games, and we want to tap on that with our athletes, including the sub-juniors and juniors who have come through,” Waqa mentioned. This focus on nurturing talent across a range of events, including sprints, middle and long-distance running, as well as throwing disciplines, underlines the school’s mission to develop a well-rounded athletic program.
This initiative not only signifies the growth of athletic programs within educational institutions but also strengthens community bonds and boosts student morale, presenting a promising outlook for local sports. The collaborative endeavor of these schools indicates a bright future for student-athletes in the region, fostering a supportive environment for the development of their talents.