The Tribune

By AMAJAHL KNOWLES

Hundreds of students, teachers and parents filled the Thomas A Robinson Stadium yesterday, creating a colourful and vibrant atmosphere as the three-day New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association Track and Field Championships got underway.

Coaches from some of the participating schools in the 37th annual championships were happy that the event got off to a good start without any interference from the weather. Twenty-four primary schools are taking part in this year’s meet in over 40 events in four divisions.

“Everything has been smooth so far, BACO has also done a good job officiating and keeping things in order,” said Monty Charlton, coach at Sandilands Primary.

“The races have been really competitive so far, especially with all of the schools trying to take down the defending champion (Sybil Strachan). Even though it’s intense it’s still good, clean fun.”

Coach Thompson of Cleveland Eneas, last year’s runners-up, shared similar sentiments, praising the smooth running of the event due to the assistance of Bahamas Association of Certified Officials (BACO).

“I want thank Mrs Lockhart and the officials for keeping the event on schedule and on time,” she said.

“Some of our students have already placed in the top three of some of the final events, including the shot put, and a female finished second in the heat for the long jump, so far from what I’ve seen they are hanging in there and I hope that they would continue to hang.”

Vanessa Rolle, coach of Stephen Dillet Primary School, said the majority of the kids seemed to be enjoying themselves.

“It’s good to see children from different schools hugging one another,” she said.

“Because most of them are already in track clubs together they already know each other so there is no tension.”

She noted that it is good to see the young embracing concepts of camaraderie and sportsmanship at such an early age.

The event, which continues until tomorrow, features competition in four age divisions: A - 11 and 12-year-olds; B - 9 and 10-year-olds; C - 7 and 8-year-olds; and D - 5 and 6-year-olds.

Sybil Strachan Primary School, formerly Carmichael Primary, are the reigning champions after heading Cleveland Eneas Primary School and Claridge Primary School last year.