INSPORTS Receives $20 Million Injection for Primary Schools Athletics Championship

The Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) has received approximately $20 million from title sponsor, Seprod, for the staging of this year’s Primary Schools Athletics Championship.

The 35th staging of the event is slated to take place from April 29 to May 2, at the National Stadium in Kingston.

Group Marketing Manager of Seprod, Roger Thompson, handed over a $12 million cheque to INSPORTS, at the press launch of the championship on April 21, at the Alhambra Inn in Kingston.

The remaining $8 million will be supplied through the provision of nutritional support for the athletes and support staff over the four days, and stationery supplies.

Mr. Thompson said that Se8prod is “honoured to show our significant support with our continued partnership…of this championship. We celebrate and encourage the development of the track and field stars of tomorrow.”

“Seprod places a high value on not just sports but also on education. We must develop wholesome children who will positively contribute to society,” he added.

Chairman of INSPORTS, Don Anderson, thanked Seprod for its contribution, which is the largest in its 10-year sponsorship of the event.

He also welcomed the continued support from the company, even as some corporate entities have reduced their sponsorship of events in the face of economic challenges.

“Nobody can be in any doubt about how difficult this economy is…and when you have an organisation like Seprod that is prepared to invest in young people, we must acknowledge them for their tremendous effort,” he said.

Mr. Anderson encouraged the student athletes, as they prepare to compete, “to bear in mind that there is a future out there for you.”

“A lot of the talent that we have right now started with you the students…and they honed the talent right up to the point where we have become world leaders and that could be your future,” he said.

In his remarks, Honorary General Secretary of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), Garth Gayle, thanked the primary school coaches for their tireless efforts in unearthing and moulding young athletes most of whom go on to achieve success at the national and international levels.

Approximately 4,000 student athletes from 93 schools across the island will contest 38 events over the four-day INSPORTS/Seprod Primary Schools Athletics Championship.

This year’s champion boy and girl will each receive $100,000 towards their academic development.

Last year, New Providence Primary School amassed 222 points to win the event, while Naggo Head Primary placed second with182.5 points, and Greater Portmore placed third with 139 points.

The Primary Schools Athletics Championship had its first meet in 1981 with five schools participating, namely Harbour View Primary, Mona Primary, New Providence Primary, August Town Primary and Rousseau Primary.

To date, the most successful school in the competition is Waterford Primary with 10 titles.