By: Curtis Morton
The countdown is well and truly on. It’s only two days before the grand mini Olympics or interprimary athletic meet which will be held at the ET Willett Park for the final time, on Wednesday 5th April.
According to Meet coordinator, Lester Blackett, the 2018 meet is expected to be held at the brand new track, currently being constructed at Long Point.
Significantly, the meet is in its 25th year of being sponsored by Gulf Insurance and local affiliates, A L Evelyn and the 8 participating schools, all seem geared up and pumped up for the event.
In the A division, are the more populated schools: Reigning champions St. Thomas’ Primary; Charlestown Primary; Joycelyn Liburd Primary and the Ivor Walters’ Primary and in the B division: Reigning champions Elizabeth Pemberton Primary; Violet Nicholls Primary; St. James’ Primary and Maude Cross Preparatory School.
The meet will be held under the patronage of former Olympic sprint queen, Meritzer Williams and will see the athletes competing in the 60 meters; 100; 200; 400; 800; 1200; 4X100 and 4X400 meters.
However, on the day prior-tomorrow Tuesday, to be exact, there will be an impressive march past of athletes through the streets of Charlestown, culminating with an impressive opening ceremony at the ET Willett Park.
A division champs St. Thomas’ Primary, are confident that they will repeat this year; Ivor Walters, who placed second last year, are indicating that they will do one better this year; Charlestown Primary are indicating that they are coming back for what is rightfully theirs; while Jocelyn Liburd Primary are saying quite loudly: ‘Bounce back up!’
In the B zone, EPPS are certain of an unprecedented six times hold on the championship; Maude Cross Preparatory already knows what it feels like to be champions at this level and St. James’ and VOJN are quietly saying that they may not win, but they will certainly create some upsets in some of the races.
It makes for a really hyped and exciting meet and the thousands of spectators expected in the Park on the big day, are certainly in for a rare treat.