Minister of Sports Hon. Eric Evelyn, called it right, when he stated that it was a great initiative by the Joycelyn Primary school and noted that he loved the fact that the Kids Athletics event, was a friendly competition and not the fierce rivalry experienced at other events, such as the Inter Primary athletics meet.
He singled out the man whose brain child it is, Mr. Kurvin Wallace, for high praise.
The event which is in its tenth year, took place at the Hardtimes playing field on Friday 19th October.
It commenced with a brief opening ceremony, which was ably chaired by Headmistress at the school, Miss Barbara Hendrickson.
Teacher Petrona Freeman said the invocation.
Included in those addressing the gathering were: Director of Sports, Mr. Jamir Claxton; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Kevin Barrett and Education Officer for the school, Mrs. Ilena Mills.
Mr. Kurvin Wallace also gave a comprehensive, historical overview of the event and outlined exactly what the anxious spectators could expect from the athletes on show.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Sports officer, Miss Romisha Malone.
Thereafter, the action was on the Hardtimes green, as several teams of athletes, with each team comprising of six athletes, mixed from the various Primary schools across the island, engaged in such challenges as standing long jump; throwing the cricket ball; hurdles; backward over the head throw and climaxing with the formula one, which involved the athletes running between several standing poles; leaping over some hurdles; doing ten jumping jacks in a ring and then sprinting toward the finish line.
The child friendly competition did not see a winning team at the end of the day, but it is understood that an adjudication for the most outstanding boy and girl of the day, was to be made.
However, ALL of the participating athletes, walked away with a precious certificate.
The certificates were presented by Minister Evelyn.