The New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association (NPPPSSA) will host its 37th Annual Track and Field Championship meet for public primary schools from Wednesday, May 27th to Friday, May 29th at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

Plans for the meet were announced during a press conference at the Ministry of Education Science and Technology on Friday, May 22. Joel Lewis, Acting Deputy Director of Education, along with representatives of the NPPPSSA were in attendance including Dawn Knowles, Senior Education Officer, Primary Physical Education; Louise Forbes, Sports Administrator, Student Services Division; Cedricka Rolle, Assistant Treasurer and Clara Storr, Board Member.

Mr. Lewis commended the organizers of the sports meet for continuing a legacy of 37 years of planning and executing a sports meet of a “high calibre” to ensure that primary school students obtain maximum exposure and experience in track and field.

He said, “The New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association Annual Track and Field Championship brings together the best of the primary school athletes to compete in organized, friendly and enthusiastic competition. The meet is the foundation for bridging the gap from primary school to high school sports as is indicated by this year’s theme, ‘It Begins with Us.’”

Mr. Lewis acknowledged the teachers and coaches who have assisted students in preparation for the meet, and thanked the stakeholders who have partnered with the NPPPSSA for this year’s meet.

According to Ms. Rolle, 24 primary schools will participate in this year’s meet, which offers over 40 events in divisions. A, B, C and D.

She said the meet promises to be “dynamic” and “exciting” and encouraged parents, guardians, aunts, uncles, alumni to support the young athletes.

Athletes will compete in the four divisions based on age group. The divisions are:

A - 11 and 12 year olds

B - 9 and 10 year olds

C - 7 and 8 year olds

D – 5 and 6 year olds

Sybil Strachan Primary School (formerly Carmichael Primary) is the reigning champion. Cleveland Eneas Primary School finished 2nd in the 2014 meet and 3rd place winner was Claridge Primary School.