WESTERN SPORTS - Top schools for Hanover West Relays

Chris Bodden, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Lucea West Community Development Committee (CDC), under the theme 'Unearthing Sporting Talents in the Western Region and Fostering Positive Social Relations Among Youths', will host the third instalment of the Hanover West Classic Relay Carnival today, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The event will be held at Rusea's High School's Collin Miller Sports Complex and will see high schools from across Hanover, Westmoreland and St James, as well as primary schools and community clubs, competing.

Special feature of the day will be the Invitational 100m, 200m and 400m races, the winners of which will be awarded cash prizes of up to $15,000.

The Hanover West Classic was established in January 2012, as the Relay Carnival, with the inaugural event held on May 7, 2012, with the aim being to unearth track and field talent across the region.

"Our mission is to unearth hidden talent in the west and to bring about and to foster better social relations among our young people," said Dwayne Clayton, president of the Lucea West CDC.

"To date, it has been going well. Despite the challenges, we continue to press on, and, in this, our second year, we hope to bring about some exciting races, while staying true to our aim of finding talent and nurturing them," Clayton added.

Only four high schools, seven primary schools and five youth track clubs participated in the inaugural staging, with western track and field powerhouse Green Island High emerging as eventual champions, taking home the Grand Palladium Champions trophy.