Meli Laddpeter 
As cheers erupted from HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on the opening day of the Coca-Cola Games, the excitement spilled beyond the gates into the line of food stalls outside.
Among the vendors was Maraia Marawa, serving customers while following the action live on her phone, determined not to miss a moment.
Originally from Kadavu, Marawa said she came not just to earn a living, but to support the schools from her home island competing on one of the country’s biggest athletic stages.
She recalled her own days in primary school athletics, when events like the Coca-Cola Games first sparked her love for competition.
With her sister and their children, Marawa set up a makeshift stall near Bidesi Grounds behind the stadium.
“We just came here today to sell some stuff and make some money to help at home. And secondly, I use to compete in athletics when I was in primary school so I usually get very excited when these types of tournaments happen. Since we are from kadavu we will be supporting schools from there.”
Though not in the grandstands, she said being close enough to hear the roar and feel the energy of the crowd was more than enough.
