The first day of the Frank 'Pancho' Rahming Track and Field Meet got underway with a bang yesterday at the old Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
The area was flocked with young children and parents who showed up for the opening day of the primary schools track and field championship. The attendance on opening day easily surpassed last year's number, as schools from all over the country were represented. A record 66 schools are taking part in the meet, and the schools from New Providence were actually out-numbered by schools from the Family Islands.
"We started late today. I think we had a mix-up because we were unable to have the scratch meet yesterday, but it seems to be running well since it started. It is important that all the Family Islands become involved because you want to give them the same opportunities that you give to young athletes in Grand Bahama and New Providence. You want to give to primary schools all over the country the same chance," said Rahming.
"I'm glad to see that Acklins is here this year, and Inagua sent a group of athletes out, so it's good to know that more of the islands are participating. It's good for them to just come and see what it's like and probably if they like it this year then next year you would have more schools entering and participating. The only thing about that is the meet will probably go longer because you will have more rounds to go through, but I guess that's what you want. It's a good dilemma to be in," he added.
After the first day, the Family Islands are in control. A combined team from North and Central Andros has a first day total of 30 points. Queen's College is tied for second place with Sts. Francis and Joseph, each with 23 points.
Hugh Campbell Primary and Temple Christian are tied for fourth with 20 points each, while the Eleuthera Destroyers are fourth with 15.50 points. Cleveland Eneas sits in fifth with 14.50 points; Abaco District is sixth with 11.50 points. St. Andrew's is seventh with nine points, and Walter Parker Primary and Kingsway Academy are tied for eighth with eight points apiece. Bartlett Hill Primary, Martin Town Primary and St. John's College are tied for 10th with six points each, and Yellow Elder follows with four points.
Lanqique Thompson from the Eleuthera Destroyers dominated competition in the 'C' category girls' 400 meter (m). She finished the race in a time of 1:14.09.
Oliver Deangelo from North and Central Andros took no prisoners as he blew by the competition in the 'A' division boys' long jump. He finished with a best leap of 5.08m (16' 8").
Competition will continue today, starting at 9 a.m.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian