The first ever Teddy Bear picnic in Fiji organised by The Learning Centre in Suva proved to be a success with more than 600 people flocking to the school compound today to be part of the one day event.

More than 100 participants registered their teddy bears in the Pacific Teddy, Classic Teddy, Costume Teddy and Soft Toy categories with the best three in each category walking away with prizes.

Apart from the picnic, the school compound was a hive of activity with food stalls selling a variety of food, fun-filled activities for children of all ages and a bar also set up to quench the thirst of the hardworking parents and visitors at the event.

Learning Centre principal Ronald Kumar said he was overwhelmed with the attendance and thanked all the parents and well wishers of the school for making the day a success.

“This was the first ever Teddy Bear picnic in Fiji and I am certainly glad with the response the event received,” Kumar said.

“We organised this event to raise public awareness on cruelty against animals and assist the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) financially with a portion of the funds that is collected.”

“People of all ages and walks of life gathered here today and it’s really nice to see everyone enjoying themselves in a carnival atmosphere.”

Nine year old Taka Tevi won the best Pacific Teddy award while the Classic and Costume teddy awards were won by Divya and Anjay all of whom are students at The Learning Centre.

Tevi said he was thankful to his parents and family members who helped him dress up his big teddy for the event.

"My big teddy which was sitting at home was dressed well in Pacific style by my mom and other family members from Tonga,” he said.

"It was a bit difficult for me to carry it around as it is bigger than me but I am glad to win the prize and will compete again next year."

Kumar said the centre planned to organise the event around the same time again next year.