Kingston, 8 May 2019 – The Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, has said that it is a proud accomplishment that the 2019 Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) Primary School Track and Field Championship has attracted a record number of schools from all of the parishes.

Minister Grange spoke today at the National Indoor Sports Centre as she officially launched the 39^th staging of the Meet, which starts tomorrow (May 9), “This year it is a record 217 schools and all 14 parishes that have indicated they are participating. Is this not wonderful that a record has already been set without a race being run. 

Miss Grange pointed to the fact that as of this year, because of the substantial increase in the number of participating schools, the championships is now zoned into Eastern, Western and Central. 

 “We must note that this accomplishment is due to the outstanding work of the INSPORT staff in the field and with assistance from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information.”  
“As we develop even further, my vision for the 40^th staging next year, is to host in the National Stadium a boys and girls’ primary schools’ championships as big as the secondary schools’ championships.”

She paid tribute to retired Sports Officer Keith Lattimore, whose pioneering work was responsible for the Meet which started with just five schools.  

The Sport Minister announced that this year, the top school will receive $250,000.00; second place $200,000.00 and third place $150,000.00. Schools placing from 4^th to 10^th will receive $75,000.00 each. 

She said the prize money will be used for the purchase of gear and equipment for the winning school. 

“I urge Jamaicans to come out to see the wonderful performances that we know these youngsters are capable of.” 

The three-day Meet, which takes place at the National Stadium, is free to the public.