The Tribune

THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) is scheduled to hold its annual National High School Relays featuring schools from New Providence and the Family Islands on January 28. It promises to be an exciting event as schools prepare for the National High School Track and Field Championships March 17-18 at the new Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium. This will be the second meet of the BAAA 2012 schedule. Schools are using this weekend's event to learn and perfect the skill of baton-passing, which is so important for all relays, from the 4x100m to the 4x800m. It should prepare those athletes who make national teams to be ready for high level international competition in the 4x100m and 4x400m. This year, in addition to the Carifta Games in Bermuda over the Easter weekend, there is the Central American and Caribbean Jr Championships in San Salvador, El Salvador, at the end of June and the IAAF World Junior Championships in Barcelona, Spain, 10 days later. With the numerous relays, athletes will be provided the opportunity to compete several times over the weekend. It should be a good opportunity for the public to witness the fitness of our high school athletes and cheer for the school of their choice. The competition kicks off at 1pm on Saturday. In the 2011 edition of the National High School Relays, there is a distinct absence of schools from Grand Bahama and the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations. The Catholic High Crusaders were the only school from Grand Bahama who had registered to compete in Saturday's meet but the large crowd on hand were thrilled by the performances from schools based in New Providence. THE second BAAA-sponsored meet featured 18 schools registered. The divisions for competition are U-13, U-15, U-17, and U-20 on December 31. Schools will participate in the following events: 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m, 4x800m, sprint medley and distance medley. The BAAA is looking for another weekend of excitement as the various schools around the Bahamas prepare for their championships as well as the BAAA National High School Track and Field Championships later this spring.