High quality expected at Western Primary Champs

The 11th edition of the Western Primary Schools Athletic Championships is expected to bring the same excitement as past years, despite a move in location due to the condition of the Montego Bay Sports Complex.

The two-day meet is set to run off at the STETHS Sports Complex in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, on June 7 and 8.

Defending champions Black River Primary School will be looking to feed off the St Bess support when they go in search of their fourth consecutive title.

But the overwhelming favourites will need to have a good championship if they are to fend off the challenge of Corinaldi Avenue Primary, who happens to be the only other school to have won the title three times since the championships’ inception in 2009.

Former champions Petersfield Primary, Howard Cooke Primary, and Wakefield Primary will all be fielding their powerhouse teams, as they attempt to upset Black River.

Meet organiser Albert Ferguson, who is hoping the Montego Bay Sports Complex would be available next season as it poses logistics issues.

He is, however, excited about the inclusion of six more schools.

“This is the first time the championship is being held outside of Montego Bay. Yes, it would pose logistics problems for us. It will affect the schools (from parishes such as St James and Trelawny) even more as they will have to find accommodation to avoid travelling back and forth. We are, however, not concerned as it continues to grow, but has a lot of room where it can improve, especially as it relates to forging partnerships with corporate Jamaica in securing sponsorships,” Ferguson said.

The six new schools are Falmouth All-Age, Hemmingay Prep, Williams Elite Prep, Roehampton Primary, Burnt Savannah and Brinkley Primary.

Twenty-seven schools will compete in 38 events over the two days.