Sagicor Life's Carol Lawrence (left), assistant vice-president group insurance services and Tanya Miller (centre), vice-president, group marketing, make the symbolic presentation of a cheque valued at $3m to Doran Dixon, president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association, at yesterday's press launch of the 26th annual Sagicor/JTA National Primary, All-Age and Junior High Schools Championships. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer.

Young track and field enthusiasts from across the island will have the opportunity to showcase their talent at the 26th staging of the Sagicor/Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) National Primary, All-Age and Junior High Schools Athletic Championships, scheduled for May 14-15 at the National Stadium.

Over 1,200 athletes are expected to participate in the two-day event, which is scheduled to begin at noon on Thursday and 9 a.m. on Friday. Participants will compete in five sections, namely the under-9, under-11, under-13, under-15 and under-17 categories.

The competition has been held annually since 1984 and has an impressive record.

Title sponsors Sagicor Life Jamaica has pledged $3 million towards the hosting of this year's event.

A common vision

Tanya Miller, vice-president, group marketing said her company and the JTA had a common vision for the development of Jamaica's children.

"Sagicor always associates itself with children because we find that if we invest there we will secure the nation's future," Miller said.

"When we were approached it didn't take much convincing because we know that it is a well-organised meet and has shown to be a successful event in the past," she added.

The event is expected to cost in the region of $6 million and according to Adolph Cameron, secretary general of the JTA, they are still seeking sponsorship to successfully stage the meet.

Not enthused

With over 52 events, the organisers have only received seven sponsors for the individual events and are not enthused that other entities do not find it necessary to assist.

"We have a proven product over the years that has produced many top-flight athletes, but only a few individuals and organisations are willing to come on board," Cameron said.

President of the JTA, Doran Dixon, said sometimes the questions are asked as to why the JTA continues year after year to put itself out on a limb to make sure that this particular meet takes place.

"It's simple," Dixon said. "We have a commitment to education and we recognise that education is not just about academics, but sports play an important role as well. So we continue, even against the odds, to press on with this meet," he said.

The event has been described as a feeding ground for several Jamaican athletes, who have excelled locally and internationally, including Olympians Veronica Campbell-Brown and Usain Bolt, who started their athletic careers at the event.

For a minimal admission fee of $100 for children and $200 for adults, persons can see their favourite athletes perform.

Apart from the regular 100m-200m, cricket ball throw, javelin and long and high jump events, a special medley has been added that will feature athletes who did not perform in the other running events.

Jamaica also participates in the Caribbean Union of Teachers bi-annual sports championships for students. A team chosen from this event will participate in the championships.

"The road to stardom does not stop at the National Stadium as there is another step in the process," Dixon said. "We also have challenges in getting together the resources, financially and otherwise, to help the students participate in the championships." he said.

The JTA president is encouraging other sponsors to get involved to allow the athletes to pursue their dreams.