SPORTS
Newsday reporter
The Tobago Primary School three-kilometre road race on Wednesday and Thursday signaled the start of the 2023 primary school track and field season.
Over 350 athletes lined up for the 10 a.m. start at Petit Trot Beach in Lambeau on both days.
On Wednesday, schools in the Eastern and Leeward-A zones tested the mostly flat course, which took them to the hard courts of Shaw Park in Scarborough.
While Scarborough RC was the most successful school, Javani Phillips, from Speyside Anglican, topped the boys category, while Maskala Grant of Mt St George Methodist crossed the finish line first among the girls.
Second among the boys was Scarborough RC’s A’Don Young followed by his school mate Ayale James.
Scarborough RC’s Amyah Young and Ryanna Regis placed second and third respectively among the girls.
North Side Schools and Leeward B Schools took turns on Thursday. Whim Anglican’s Justin Phillips was best man ahead of Bon Accord Government’s Izean Phillips and Moriah Government’s Akimid Alexander.
Nashequa Samuel of Bethelsda Government secured the female title, beating Jonelle Walcott of Whim Anglican in second and Miracle Charles of Moriah Government in third.
Phillips teacher Wade David said the school was delighted with his performance, along with second place among the girls.
He added “we have a sports program in the school, so students are always active in cricket, football and athletics.
“We try to create a balanced curriculum in the school, where academics and sports go hand in hand and students have to balance their school work to represent the school in sports.”
Samuel, from Bethelsda, said: “I’m delighted to win, the course was good, I’m doing well, it was a bit difficult towards the end but I got through it. I can’t wait for the final.”
When contacted Shurla Waldron-Joseph, Bethelsda principal said: “I am thrilled, her performance has put the school in the spotlight. We held an assembly to recognize her achievements and the whole school gave her a standing ovation.” Jozefi further expressed “I am a new principal at the school and it is a good feeling to know that the school is excelling in all areas and I will lend my support to ensure that we continue to excel.”
Event co-ordinator Phillip Roachford, superintendent of school two in the Education, Research and Technology Division, was delighted with his team’s execution of the competition and was encouraged by the schools’ support.
“After a two-year absence due to Covid-19, we are overwhelmed by the turnout,” said Roachford. “We had more than two hundred yesterday and close to two hundred today.
“The support team worked well to ensure the event was smooth sailing, I must also acknowledge the support of the Police and CERT, along with other stakeholders.”
Roachford also urged motorists to exercise more patience during the event. He said that “the top twenty boys and girls from each area will compete in the final next Wednesday. I appeal to the drivers, please be careful during the race.”
