The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

FOR the second consecutive year, the New Providence Public Primary School Sports Association will partner with a key corporate sponsor to host the organisation's marquee event on its sporting calendar.

The 30th NPPPSSA Track and Field Championships is expected to feature each of the 24 public primary schools in New Providence - competing in four divisions - at Thomas A Robinson Stadium April 30 to May 2.

Nikkita Taylor, president of the NPPPSSA, said the meet will serve as a fitting climax to an eventful academic year for the students and the organisation.

"I would like to give credits to the coaches in the public primary system because we put a lot of work, time and effort into each event that we host, even if we do not get the credit that we should. I would like to say thank you to our coaches for a whole year of good sporting events and teaching the kids to build good relations with each other," said Taylor.

The meet is slated to begin at 9am each day and a floating trophy will be awarded to the winner.

T Milton Lewis, president of the Primary Principals Association, highlighted the impact sports can have on the development of the students' character.

"We are pleased to be a part of this exciting venture. We know that when our children participate in sporting activities, it helps to develop the whole child. We believe that all of our children should be exposed, mainly those persons who may not be able to afford quality education, sporting activities is the avenue for them. There are so many of our citizens in this country who have gone on to become great in their profession because of sports. I want to encourage parents to allow their children to become involved in as many sporting activities as possible."

Christina Sweeting, manager of Bertha's Go-Go Ribs, added her organisation's commitment to investing in young students.

"We are delighted to be a part of this meet once again this year. We feel as though whenever we invest in our youth, especially in sports, it can definitely impact the entire community and produce a better society and we are honoured to be a part of it," she said.

Cleveland Eneas Primary School are the defending champions of the meet which promises to feature hundreds of the Bahamas' top athletes at the youth level. "I would like to appeal to all parents and thank them for their usual support of our sporting events and we look forward to them coming and being a part of this meet," said Dawn Knowles, senior education officer with responsibility for physical education.

Ross Smith, superintendent in the Ministry of Education, called the latest edition of the event historic.

"We know that this event is going to be historic in that it is going to benefit the students competing and all involved some way. The Department of Education also wishes to salute the owners of Bertha's who have been a really good corporate sponsor," he said. "It is hoped that the relationship we have established with Bertha's can grow and continue. With the support of a corporate partner like Bertha's, our schools, our teachers and our parents, we know that the future successes of our children will be guaranteed.

Event organiser Clara Storr said the opening ceremonies will provide an early highlight, setting the stage for the three days of competition.

"It will be an exciting event so we would like to encourage all parents and supporters to come out on the 30th, which will be the opening ceremony. We will see schools participating all over New Providence," she said.

"Come and support the young athletes. It is a good thing for the children to see others come out and support their endeavours. We want to see good competition and this year we will be having a floating trophy for the overall winner."