They started off sluggishly and after five races, defending champions Charlestown Primary was yet to secure a gold medal.
For one fleeting moment, the thought process was, CHARLESTOWN PRIMARY HAD NOT SHOWN UP.
Then it happened: The school secured its first goal and there was no looking back.
Thereafter, Charlestown Primary was indeed the school to beat.
The major meltdown occurred at the Nevis Athletic Stadium on Wednesday 5th April, as the Interprimary sports meet was held, under the patronage of Romancia Mils and Beonard Williams.
The two major sponsors were the tried and tested, Gulf Insurance and the Bank of Nevis International.
The children competed fiercely in such races as 350, 400, 150, 200, 800, 1200, 100, 4X100 and 4X400 meters races.
A new innovation saw the throwing of the Cricket ball, and there were six medals up for grabs in this event.
A bumper crowd was on hand to loudly cheer on their favourite school and athletes.
This year for the first time, the winner would be adjudged by the school that wins the most gold medals.
A heavy downpour of rain seemed set to spoil the party. However, the officials decided to continue the meet.
Special mention must be made of the St. James Primary School. Despite their small numbers, they managed to place fourth overall.
When the dust settled, the final medal count:
Charlestown Primary-21 Gold; 18 Silver; 12 Bronze-51 Medals-Champions
St. Thomas’ Primary-15 Gold; 8 Silver; 9 Bronze-32 Medals
JLPS-12 Gold; 8 Silver; 8 Bronze-30 Medals
St. James’ Primary 6 Gold; 4 Silver; 3 Bronze-13 Medals-13 Medals
Elizabeth Pemberton Primary-4 Gold; 7 Silver 11 Bronze-22 Medals
Ivor Walters Primary 3 Gold; 8 Silver 15 Runs-26 Medals
VOJN Primary-2 Gold; 3 Silver; 3 Bronze-8 Medals
Nevis Academy 1 Gold; 3 Silver; 2 Bronze-6 Medals
Maude Cross Preparatory 1 Gold; 2 Silver 1 Bronze-4 Medals