Natabua and Jasper out to defend their titles

“We are ready to defend our title”

Those are the words of Natabua High School team Captain, Sekove Finau.

Speaking to Fijivillage, Finau said the team will be under a lot of pressure to perform as defending champion but they will do their best.

Finau said despite the hardship faced after Cyclone Winston and the recent floods, they still managed to train and work as a team.

Natabua has selected 67 male athletes to defend their title.

Prominent athletes that will feature for Natabua are Waisale Dausoko, Junior Boys sprinters James Cox, Tyrone Chambers and Jope Loloma, George Vokiti, Isikeli Waseaqali, Paula Nasara, Seveci Matanitobua and Tiko Batibasaga.

Natabua created history last year after winning the Coca-Cola Games for the first time with 17 gold, 11 silver and 5 bronze.

Meanwhile, defending girls champion, Jasper Williams High School Team Captain, 19-year-old Mereseini Naidau said their preparation this year was tough and they are looking forward to the competition.

Naidau said they will try their best to retain their title.

Naidau is calling on their supporters to come out in numbers and support them this weekend.

Naidau will take part in the 3000m, 1500m and 4x400m relay events.

Jasper will field 60 athletes for the Coca‑Cola Games.

Athletes that are expected to lead the Jasper campaign are Meresiana Vukici, Francis Kurivitu, Mereseini Naidau, Alesi Finau, Venina Turagani-solevu, Makereta Naulu, Lusiana Ratulevu and Rateri Mate-vakatini.

Jasper won the Coca‑Cola Games last year with 21 gold, 9 silver and 6 bronze.

The 100 metres heats are currently underway.

Saint Joseph’s Secondary School athlete, Heleina Young cruised through her 100 metres Junior Girls heat in the last hour.

Young finished the race in a manual time of 13.17 seconds.

She will face stiff competition from Jasper Williams High School athlete, Salote Baravilala who clocked the fastest time during the heats.

Baravilala ran a time of 12.84 seconds in her heat. 

The 400 metres heats will start at 6.15 tonight.

Eight gold medals will be up for grabs in the field events.

The Junior Girls High Jump final will also be held later today.

Shawntell Lockington who had a record jump of 1.66 metres in the Sub‑Junior girls category will take part in this event.

The Xavier College student’s record even surpassed the Senior Girl's high jump record which currently stands at 1.65 metres.

Stay with us for the latest results, medal tally updates and interviews from the 2016 Coca Cola Games. 

You can also check out the latest photos and videos on our facebook page, fijivillage.com

Meanwhile, Digicel Fiji hosted a morning tea for the defending champions followed by a performance by the pompom girls of Jasper Williams High School.

Digicel Fiji sponsored the training vests, supporters kits and competition gear for Natabua and Jasper.