27/05/2026
I am encouraged by this yearâs staging of the National Primary School Track and Field Championship. The Central region has increased its participation to 190 athletes while the Eastern region by 595 athletes. This is a clear reflection of the programmeâs expansion and its deepening reach within our communities. Islandwide 128 schools have entered the championship, bringing in 6,154 young athletes to the regional meets and more than 2,000 earning their place at the National Finals to vie for the championship trophy.
These numbers tell a powerful story, it says Jamaicaâs love for track and field is not only alive but continues to expand across the island.
It is important that we acknowledge the pain and disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa. Normal routines were interrupted, and regrettably, some of our usual competitors are unable to join us this season. But we are happy that five new entrants are joining the championship this year, including Black River Prep, which is proudly representing the prep school community.
I commend the coaches, leadership and my word for student athletes is that when you become stars you remember where you are coming from.
My dream for the Primary School Champs is that it grows into an event as large as the ISSA Boys and Girls Champs.
I am pleased to announce increased prize money this year. Six-Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars for first place; $400,000.00 for second; $350, 000.00 for third; and $200,000.00 for fourth place.
The Ministry remains committed to strengthening the pipeline that brings talent from grassroots, to secondary, to clubs and our national programmes. Today we witness the power of grassroots development, the foundation upon which all great athletic success is built.
I wish you safe performances, excellent sportsmanship, and personal bests. May the championship be memorable and a chapter of an extraordinary story.
