Photo: Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller winning the first race on the new track at Calabar High School last Friday.
The unveiling of the six-lane 400 meter track was a special and historic moment for those who gathered on the school grounds of Calabar High at 61 Red Hills Road on Friday. The track and field powerhouse is the first and only high school in Jamaica and by extension the Caribbean to have a synthetic running track on its compound.
There was a full house of dignitaries and other supporters in attendance, among them local politicians, private sector leaders, JAAA leaders, current and former participant’s students of the all-boys institution.
“It’s great our student athletes now have a world-class facility. They’ve done so well over the past years,” said Percival James Patterson, Former Prime Minister and Calabar Old Boy in his address to the gathering.
Mr Albert Corcho, the school’s Head Master, who had led the afternoon’s proceeding said the unveiling of the red track marked a “huge milestone”.
He was quick to point out that other schools and the track club will be availed the opportunity to utilize the facility to aid with development of their track programs.
“We have invested not only in Calabar high students, but all students of Jamaica” he noted.
The guest speaker, Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller lauded the accomplishment of the school during her address.
“It’s a big improvement – I am sure as students and administrators you are excited about this historic feat and it sure will aid in the development of our young athletes, “ she said
The Prime minister, who also noted that her government played a part in seeing the school’s dream to reality, made mention of the plan for building another 24 other such running tracks coming to other schools across the island.
After Simpson Miller cut the Green and Black ribbon, it was time for a ceremonial first lap to celebrate the completion of the $55million project.
The Initial staging of the meet gets going at 8:30 on Saturday, and will feature events such as the 100m, 400m, 1500m, sprint and 400m hurdles, High Jump, Long Jump, Shotput and Discus.
The new track at Calabar is officially open.
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