MANDEVILLE: Today is historic for athletics in Manchester when private institution Belair opens its doors to host an invitational track meet in Mandeville.

The day's activities begin at 9 a.m. and is being coordinated by Jamaica's first female Olympic gold medallist, Deon Hemmings, in conjunction with the school's sports committee. Earlier this week, that committee held a press conference to announce details of the meet, as well as to showcase its sponsors.

According to Hemmings, whose child attends Belair, 17 schools and over 600 athletes are confirmed for participation at the meet that will cater for athletes between the ages of eight and 12.

The day's schedule begins with the 400 metres before the greater concentration of participation in the sprints covering 150m, 80m and 50m. Relays will be contested featuring 4x100m and 4x50m, while there will also be long jump.

Hemmings is confident that the public will find the meet enjoyable and profitable.

"These are our budding stars and we'll be having a lot of grade-six students participating, so we expect to have high-school coaches coming to recruit," she told The Gleaner.

Major sponsors Wata, Jamaica Biscuit Company and Ensure will mount booths to offer refreshments and products to both athletes and spectators throughout the day.