THE FMF Western Chow Games was launched in Lautoka yesterday with the organisers vowing to make the competition an annual event.
This year, the Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Association has been forced to divide the national meet into zones because of the closure of the National Stadium for renovations.
At the launch, it was revealed that the Western Primary Schools Athletics Association will use their competition as the final build up to the national event.
Association president Albert Wise said the Western Games would be a championship their future athletes could look forward to. He said the WPSAA would draw up strategies for the future development of athletes in the division.
Wise said the Fiji primary schools athletics competition first started in Lautoka in 1985 before moving to Suva two years later.
"The National Chow Games will continue in Suva and we will also continue with our event here in the west," Wise said. "The Western Games will be a championship which our future athletes can look forward to. This in order to nurture the skills and talents and to make sure that our students are well prepared come the national event in Suva.
"The WPSAA will ensure that we map out a strategy for the future development of our athletes.
Meanwhile, more than 900 athletes will participate in the Western Chow Games at Churchill Park next week. Participants from Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba and Rakiraki have registered for the two-day event.
FMF Foods Fiji Limited is the major sponsor for the competition with Digicel, FBC TV, Lautoka City Council and Reddy Group of Companies being the other partners.