Congratulations Calabar and Edwin Allen – Grange

Minister with responsibility for Sports, Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange has congratulated Calabar and Edwin Allen High Schools who successfully retained the coveted ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championship title at the National Stadium on Saturday, March 19, 2016.

“I must congratulate Calabar High and Edwin Allen High on winning the 2016 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championship. Once again Champs has lived up to its tradition and expectations and was again hugely successful. The performances of Christopher Taylor, Dejour Russell and Junelle Bromfield and so many other athletes were breathtaking and is further evidence that Jamaica’s track and field programme is strong and has a bright future as displayed by our young athletes,” she said.

 Minister Grange added that the level of sportsmanship and determination that was exhibited at the championship last weekend, spoke volume to the commitment of not only the athletes but their coaches and other supporting staff, who remained committed to brilliant athletic programmes all year long. “You have done your schools proud, you have done your parishes proud and you have certainly done Jamaica proud.”

The Minister highlighted that with the level of dedication that these young athletes have shown to their craft, it comes as no surprise that Jamaican athletes are acknowledged to be among the best in the world. “As a Government, we are committed to the continued growth and development of the junior athletics programme in Jamaica. Over the years, we have seen the results and we will be investing heavily in the development our young athletes who oftentimes later represent our country at the national and international level.”

She also lauded the work of the organizer and commended the sponsors for their financial input.

Minister Grange noted that “Champs is an international brand and if we are serious about transforming it into truly a global brand then global standards must be applied.”