Bigger field for Belair Invitational

Richard Bryan, Gleaner Writer

Indications are that there will be improved levels of success when the second edition of the Belair Invitational Track meet for Primary and Preparatory schools convenes this Saturday, at the Mandeville-based school.

The meet is the brainchild of Deon Hemmings-McCatty, the 1996 Olympic 400m hurdles gold medallist, whose child attends the school. The first edition was staged last year, with major sponsorship from Wisynco, Jamaica Biscuit Company, Locker Room Sports and Fontana Pharmacy.

Last year, more than 600 athletes from 16 schools across Jamaica took part and despite rain, the meet maintained a high quality, with all events completed as well as the presentation ceremony, by nightfall. This year, the organisers intend to stick within the 9 a.m.-5 p.m. timeline.

This year will be bigger, with the athlete pool extended, as 22 schools have been confirmed to participate. As a measure of the growth of its profile, the press conference was shifted from the school and was hosted at the Bloomfield Guest House, with perhaps the most picturesque and prestigious dining hall in Manchester.

Genuine outlet

Hemmings-McCatty, who was singled out for praise by Mandeville Mayor Brenda Ramsay and guest speaker Kevin O'brien Chang, said the meet was to help position privately operated Belair as a genuine outlet for sports.

"The main goal is to promote sports at Belair at the highest level," she said.

She also acknowledged the contribution of the sponsors.

"Despite the tough times, the sponsors never hesitated to come on board. We must nurture our young athletes and you can expect a great day of competitive and fun-filled action," Hemmings-McCatty added.

Events to be contested are 50m, 60m, 80m, 100m, 150m, 200m, 400m, long jump, as well as several relays - the 4x50, 4x100 and 4x200m.