DEPUTY PM & MINISTER FOR TOURISM & CIVIL AVIATION HON. VILIAME GAVOKA'S SPEECH AT THE 2024 COCA COLA GAMES OPENING

Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Organising Committee, Major Sponsor, Coca Cola Amatil Fiji,
Co-sponsors:
Fiji Gas, Pacific Energy, Star Printery, Damodar Cinemas, FBC, Burger King, Digicel, Fiji Water, Ricoh, Mega Bargain & Communications Fiji Limited.
Parents, Old Scholars, supporters, students and the athletes who arerepresenting their schools for the 3 days inter secondary schools’ competition.
 
Cola Vina!

Before I proceed, I pay tribute to the traditional custodians of the landswhere we now stand. Na Vanua o Nadonumai na Turaga na Tui Suva, their leaders, past, present and emerging.
 
It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to officially open the much-anticipated Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics competition better known as the Fiji Finals or Coca Cola Games.

This event is always one of the highlights of every school year, as it not only showcases the incredible talent and abilities of our students, but also serves as a platform for unity, sportsmanship, and healthy competition.

It brings students from as far as Rotuma, maritime zone, West, the friendly North, Tailevu, Namosi, and Naitasiri to Suva. This game brings students, parents and supporters from the 14 provinces of Fiji on their feet and convene through sports in Suva.

Students, ladies & gentlemen, athletics is much more than just running, jumping, and throwing. It embodies the values of teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and dedication. Through this event, we must cheer our students to push their limits, to strive for excellence, and to give their best.

Today, we have gathered here in Laucala to witness the result of months of hard work, training, and preparation from our athletes. Each athlete has put in countless hours of practice, sacrifice, and determination to reach this stage. They have shown truecommitment to their chosen sports and deserve to be recognised and applauded for their efforts.
 
Also, today we have much to celebrate for. Sports unites us all even in our endeavour to combat the issues of gender disparity in our society. I would like to commend our little warriors and to honour the creativity, dedication, and passion of student participants who sent 464 posters and 19 videos.
 
These competitions were organised by the Ministry of Education inpartnership with Fiji’s National Action Plan (NAP) on International Women’s Day earlier in March. These youngsters have used their artistic talents to raise awareness about this critical issue.
 
Through their videos and posters, they have shed light on therealities of violence against women, challenged harmful stereotypes and attitudes and inspired us to take action towards positive change.
 
To all student participants including awardees, I commend you for your outstanding work and commitment to advancing gender equality and human rights.
 
Your creativity and vision have the power to spark conversations, change hearts and minds, and drive social change. Your contributions are not only artistic expressions but also powerful tools for advocacy and activism.
 
Your work is a testament to the power of art and storytelling  in  creating  a  more  inclusive  and compassionate    society.     Congratulations    to    the winners.
 
Moreover, the support and encouragement from our teachers,coaches, parents, and fellow students have played an integral rolein nurturing these athletes and helping them reach their full potential. Your unwavering support has helped build a strong foundation for these young talents, and we are grateful for your continued dedication to their success.
 
For these 3 days, you gather not only as competitors but as acommunity bound together by the love of sports and the pursuit of personal growth. As we witness the races, the jumps, and the throws, remember that winning is not the only measure of success, the values that you learn through sports that are equally important in your young lives.

Therefore, I urge all students to enthusiastically cheer but not jeer the athletes in the track and field events.

On behalf of the Coalition government, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organizing committee, teachers and all individuals who volunteer and dedicate their time and effort toensure the smooth execution of this biggest 3 days secondary schools sporting event.

Hence, ladies and gentlemen and our dear athletes and supporters, let us embrace the true essence of athletics – the powerto inspire, the strength to persevere, and the joy of achievement. May this competition be filled with moments of pride, camaraderie, and memorable experiences. I wish all athletes the best in the 3 days filled with thrilling sporting moments.

I now declare the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics, Coca Cola Games, 2024, OPEN!
 
Vina valevu djina and thank you.