The Tribune

MORE than 30 schools from throughout the country will be participating in the annual Frank ‘Pancho’ Rahming National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships, scheduled to begin today at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

The three-day meet, organised jointly by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, will honour Rahming, who started the event to put some of the spotlight on the young rising stars.

Mike Sands, the meet director, confirmed that more than 700 athletes from schools from New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands are scheduled to participate and the entry is free for all spectators.

Due to the opening of the House of Assembly today, the official opening ceremonies is all set to take place on Thursday by Michael Pintard, the new minister.

Pintard, in one of his first official appearances, confirmed that the meet is back on after it was originally called off.

Competitors in all age group categories in the boys’ and girls’ divisions will be competing. Medals will be presented to the first three finishers in each event and the ribbons will be distributed to all of the finalists.

There won’t be an overall champion but Sands said they are delighted to be able to honour Rahming in this fashion.

“I think it’s very fitting because he gave birth to the national primary school championships,” Sands said.

“As you know, Pancho is an icon in track and field in the region and so I think it’s only fitting to immortalise him in this fashion, while he is alive.

“Far too often, we give recognition and honour to persons when they are not in a position to accept it.

“So it’s good that we can honour and recognise him for his contribution to track and field in this manner.”

Sands said the organisers also have a special treat on Thursday during the official opening ceremony.

According to Sands, there is a lot of interest in the meet because just before the general elections, the meet was called off. But he gave kudos to Pintard who, when he came into office, immediately made the decision to put the meet back on.

The meet is slated to wrap up after the session on Friday afternoon.