JISA Western Meet takes place on Thursday

WESTERN BUREAU:

Over 25 schools have submitted entries to compete in the Jamaica Independent School Association (JISA) Western Track and Field Meet, which resumes after a five-year hiatus and is scheduled for Thursday at the Herbert Morrison Technical High School.

"We are inviting all parents, students, and stakeholders across Jamaica to attend, participate and support our students as we celebrate the return of the JISA Western Meet and together, let's have a great day," said JISA president Tamara McKenzie.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the event on Friday at the St James Municipal Corporation's chambers, McKenzie says the meet started at the Montego Bay Sports Complex 12 years ago, however, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the meet's organisers to postpone it until this year.

"The COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from returning earlier. Our event started in 2012 and held our last western meet in 2019," she said.

According to McKenzie, there will be about 630 competitors from 25 preparatory and high schools spread throughout nine parishes. These athletes will compete in three classes at the preparatory level, while those at the high school level will compete in two categories, under-16 and under-19.

"This year, we are doing it differently to ensure we capture inclusion for all our students. The western meet is significant because this event allows all schools, regardless of where you are located to participate," McKenzie noted.

She mentioned more interest in the meet happening in Montego Bay, particularly for schools unable to travel to Kingston for the three-day national JISA Prep School Championship next month.

"While not all schools can organise for a three-day meet, the JISA Western meeting in just one day and makes it easy for all of our schools and students to come out and have fun," McKenzie continued.

The St James Municipal Corporation's chairman and Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon has thrown his support behind the organisation of this year's event, joining a group of dedicated sponsors that includes Sunshine Snack, Pure Water, Williams Elite Academy, Covenant Insurance Brokers and Bird Shack.

Vernon argues that social development is a prerequisite for economic development and that sports disciplines are critical to development.

"From the St James Municipal Corporation standpoint, we fully endorse this event. We believe that sports is a catalyst for development, particularly social development," Vernon stated. "Enhancing sporting activities within the western space is welcome and important to how we move forward as a city and region."