Bouyed by their win at the National Secondary School Track and Field Championship, last month, Tobago is expected to dethrone perennial champions Port-of-Spain and Environs at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, on Wednesday.
Last month, Tobago’s students once again dominated the National Secondary Schools Track and Field championship but they are aware that the primary school version is undoubtedly in local parlance, “a different kettle of fish.”
Tomorrow, eight education districts will be chasing track and field glory at the National Primary School Championships. Last year, Tobago placed third overall behind runaway winners Port-of-Spain, and are expected to be the biggest challengers to the champions.
Speaking during last Wednesday’s post Executive Council media briefing at the Administrative Complex, Calder Hall, Secretary of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport, Huey Cadette, said he is optimistic team Tobago will give strong performances at the games.
However, Port-of-Spain Educational District will be seeking to win their seventh straight crown and 35th lien on the Atlantic National Primary Schools Track and Field Championship.
Head coach of Port-of-Spain, Derek LeGendre has stated categorically that this year’s training programme was the worst in the district’s history, stating: “We never prepare like this, and it does not send the right signal for our budding athletes. Something must give as children are being kept away from the training session. I cannot say if it is a subtle sabotage,” he ended.
The powerful St Patrick’s Education District will compete with the likes of Jaycel Bailey and Natasha Fox, while East St George will be expected to go close as they have top national athletes participating.
Darryl Luke has the Caroni Education District ticking over and last year’s runners-up are expected to compete at a high level. Victoria Education District will have their best chance in the Games for a long time with the Simplex Athletic Club assisting under Gunness Persad. They have the best Under-11 and Under- 13 girls team in the country.
North Eastern District fresh from their triumph in the National 3K which they have dominated for the past four years are coming to town for victory and they must be respected with the strong Toco contingent marshalling the team. However, this year’s Games are expected to unearth some potential stars for the future.
The Minister of Education Anthony Garcia will declare the Games open, while Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith is expected to be in attendance. The Games begin with a colourful March Past between the eight education districts, while the T&T Fire Band is expected to supply the music.