All school zones are not following the same qualifying standards - Waqa

The Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association has confirmed that all the school zones are not following the same qualifying standards ahead of the Coca-Cola Games tomorrow.

Association’s Secretary, Vuli Waqa says some zones still want to keep using the old qualifying criteria of the first and second place getters automatically qualifying for the Coke Games. This means that they will qualify even if they do not meet the qualifying standards.

These zones are saying that their athletes are running on grass tracks and the qualifying standards should not be used for them.

Questions have also been raised on why there was inconsistency in the decision making regarding Ilaitia Waqa who was earlier disqualified from taking part in the Coke Games 100 metres but the decision was then overturned as they said that the starter was at fault.

Vuli Waqa says this incident will force them to make changes in the future.

More than 2,400 athletes from 143 schools around the country will be participating at the 2017 Coca-Cola Games.

The defending champions are Marist Brothers High School and Jasper Williams High School.

The Coca-Cola Games will start at 2pm tomorrow at the ANZ Stadium and will end on Saturday.

The events that will be held tomorrow are the 100 metres and 400 metres heats, 1,500 metres and some field events.