IT JUST TAKES ONE!

The inter-school Champ of Champs athletics competition was held yesterday at Apia Park.

This is a special event on the school calendar to find the top athletes across Samoa. But for all the fun, excitement and camaraderie it just takes one hot head to ruin the day. Yet again there was some fighting this time at Savalalo.

The heavy Police presence and in particular the agile motor cycle Police, quickly identified the culprits, brought the situation under control and took the young offenders away. It was the Police presence and quick thinking which prevented the situation escalating further as more youths including girls, rushed to the scene of the fight to join in and defend their fellow students. It is a scenario which has been witnessed many times in the past and which has lead to the cancellation of some sporting events.

Solutions need to be found to prevent these hot headed situations in the future. School leaders and education authorities need to work out a strategy to deal with this ongoing issue. Banning students or schools is hardly a solution and penalised those who have worked hard and trained for these events.

The need for all students to walk from Apia Park into town and gather at the Savalalo bus terminal seems inappropriate. Why not shuttle students on busses direct from Apia Park back to their respective school or village.

The public, the schools, the participants and no doubt the Police are tired of the antics of just one or two hot heads.