Kingston, Jamaica; Scores of supporters came out in support of day one of the two day Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Sagicor National Athletics Championships held at the National Stadium.
St. Andrew led the march on 54 points with Kingston closely following on 47 and Portland on 37 points. These scores encapsulate the efforts of athletes in the finals of eight events, leaving 44 finals to take place on Saturday, when the championships will be decided.
Merlene Smith, Parish Coordinator of defending champions St Andrew commented on her expectations for the overall championships. “Tomorrow the team may be hampered by the five injuries we had today. So hopefully we can pick up in some other areas,” said Smith.
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| These U11 athletes make their to the finish line at the National Stadium on Day 1 of the JTA Sagicor National Championships |
The preliminaries
Under 13 100 and 200 metre sensation Anthony Haslam, may very well be the key to St. Andrew’s title defence on day two, following his record breaking 200m performance. Haslam sped to victory in 24.60 seconds, erasing the record set by Kevon Rattery of 24.79 seconds, set in 2008.
The girls Under 11 and Under 13 saw two more records broken from Brianna Lyston of St Catherine and Sanique Rowe of Manchester. Lyston and Rowe broke the 200m with 27.70 and 25.97 seconds respectively.
Portland may also be in the running with girls Under 15 athlete Tatten Thawe, who broke the 400m record 59.42 set by Donalee Hylton in 2004 with a whopping 58.88 seconds.
In the girls point standings, St Andrew was again followed by Kingston 31 to 29, while Portland was the lead parish in the male category with 24 points with St Andrew scoring 23 points.
Meanwhile, Brand Manager of title sponsor Sagicor Life Jamaica, Barrington Groves says “We are always pleased with the drive and determination of our island’s athletes. This championship is a balanced platform on which to really appreciate our nation’s young talent. Sagicor is happy to be part of that.”
The over 1,000 young athletes from approximately 800 schools across the isand’s 14 parishes will continue the competition for the 2014 title on Saturday May 17. The cost to enter the National Stadium will be $200 for adults and $100 for children.
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