With the sun gradually rising on the grounds of the National Stadium in Kingston, activities started to increase. At the entrance of the stadium, the security guards usher each patron inside where they are searched along with their belongings. The atmosphere is cool, and vendors already have pots on fire, and as the smoke gradually rises, they make last minute changes to their stalls, fixing snacks and drinks, and other wares.
At the entrance to Grandstand, about a dozen people are anxiously waiting to go in, eager for the day’s activities to begin. But as they wait they feast their eyes upon the many colourful GraceKennedy banners-Chillin, Tropical Rhythms, Grace Vienna Sausage, Grace Blends among others, all a subtle reminder of the Company’s commitment to the Boys’ and Girls’ Championships.
It was a feeling of awe upon entering the stadium as each person was greeted by the soothing Reggae music. And as the time drew closer for the first event, the #1 Boys Heptathlon, more people began to appear.
Representatives from each school sat in different groups, as athletes were busy preparing for the heptathlon, long jump and discus preliminary events which are to follow. While several activities are taking place, one thing is clear, each person is focused on what is happening, as athletes and onlookers alike show that they are at the Boys’ and Girls’ Championships—their goals different, but their intentions are clear, and nothing or no-one will break their concentration.
Chennel Palmer-Defying the odds to setting her own standards
Originating from the volatile Seaview Gardens Community, Chennel Palmer is one teen who has vowed to rise above the challenges of her situation, and shine for others to see her light and emulate her.
At 14 years old, the Vere Technical High School student is already on the path to success as she copped the gold medal in the Class 3 High Jump at the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association Boy’s (ISSA) GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championships at the National Stadium. She was a favourite to place third, but would have none of that as she would set her own pace. “I put my mind to it, I looked at it and said that I have to come to champs and prove them wrong,” she said of her critics.
Palmer jumped her way to a 1.70m victory on Day 2 of Champs 100, beating Tatiana Wolfe (1.65m) and Krista-Gay Taylor (1.65m) both of Convent of Mercy who were beaten into second and third respectively.
“I am proud because my personal best was 1.65 and today I jumped 1.70 so I feel really good, said Palmer. “I felt good because at the Carifta trials I did not do my best and to come here and do well I’m so happy,” she added as a smile slowly spread across her face.
Palmer said she has more years at Champs and hopes to break the 1.77m record that was set by Janieve Russell of Holmwood Technical last year.
While celebrating her victory, the teen made it clear that she had to prepare for the event, and put herself in the position to win a medal. “While I was jumping I was excited, I was cheering myself on as a form of motivation,” she said, explaining that this complemented the hard work that she put into training. In her glory moment Palmer credited her mother coach, team-mates, friends and family, all of whom have been supportive of her endeavours.
Name: Chennel Palmer
Age: 14
School: Vere Technical
Events: High Jump and Discus
Favourite event: High Jump
Favourite Athlete: Shelly-Ann Fraser
Favourite Colour: Purple
Favourite Quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
Motivation: Mother-She is always behind me 100 per cent
Hobbies: Dancing, singing, listening to music, reading
Hairstyle: Mohawk
Teenager vows to shine and make mom proud
Jevaine Mills hated running and could not see what the fuss was about the sport. When others were worked up about it, he just did not care. However, when his mother revealed a secret to him that changed his perception of athletics forever.
“Mi mother tell me say when she did smaller and a go school and do running she get pregnant wid me and she neva get fi finish with running,” confessed Mills.
He said thereafter, she encouraged him to participate in athletics, and he took up the challenge with an unyielding commitment to make his mother proud. “She say she coulda turn big athlete and it neva work so I should give it a try,” added Mills.
He revealed that his dislike for the sport has turned to sheer admiration. To top this off, his family, friends, coach and school mates have been a tower of strength for him as he seeks to better himself in athletics. But the journey has been rough, as the teenager who participates in the 400m, 800m and the 1500m was disqualified from the 800m his favourite event, after he fell in the race on Day 1 of Champs 100.
The disappointment is only a fraction of the youngster’s woes, as he will not be performing in the 400m either. However, after his first place finish in the Class 3, Boys 1500m Heat this morning, he still has high hopes.
“I am heading for the gold or the silver, but whatever medal I get that would be good,” declared Mills.
Name: Jevaine Mills
Age: 13
School: Petersfield High
Events: 400m, 800m, 1500m
Favourite event: 800m
Favourite Athlete: Asafa Powell- because he is cool and doesn’t like to show off. Him cool and like fi humble himself.
Favourite Colour: Yellow
Motivation: My mother
Profile: Kemoy Campbell
Name: Kemoy Campbell
Age: 19
School: Bellefield High
Events: 1500, and 5000m
Favourite event: 15000m (laughs: “Because it is shorter”) now the National Junior 1500 metre record-holder, Reigning Carifta Games gold medallist.
Favourite Athlete: Asafa Powell
Favourite Colour: Purple
Favourite Past-time: Reading and hanging out with friends
Favourite quote: Only the best is good enough, because when you put out our best you always get positive rewards.
Motivation: Coach, friends and family members
Chad Wright emerges victorious after ding dong battle with discus record
After what seemed like a ding dong battle to break the Class 1 Discus record, Chad Wright emerged victorious over his Calabar High teammate Travis Smikle to give himself an amazing birthday present at the Inter-Secondary School Sports Association GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championships at the National Stadium.
“I’m glad for the win!” exclaimed a laughing Wright, who turned 19 years old on Day 2 of Champs 100. He said he did not have any special preparations for the event, and was confident even with this teammate hot on his heels. He said he had a good night’s sleep, and slept through the day then warmed up for the event, which took place in the afternoon.
“I was actually studying this morning and they told me to stop because I had finals and I told them no because I had exams too,” he boasted, adding that he will be sitting Caribbean Studies, Physics and Computer Science at the Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) this year.
The youngster who hails from the volatile Swallowfield community in Kingston set a record of 52.16 on day one of Champs 100, then improved that to 56. 86. That was beaten by Smikle’s 57.74 and 58.68 in the finals, but Wright would not let his teammate steal spotlight.
He rebounded with a throw of 58.86, as he sealed his victory and secured his place in history.
But it was obvious there were no hard feelings between the two teammates as the friendly rivals laughed, talked and congratulated each other after the finals. The bond was clear, and if there were any doubts, 17-year-old Smikle cleared it. “We came to the realization that this will only last for a time, but we will be friends for life.”
Meanwhile, Wright is treasuring the moments of his final Champs but he is looking ahead with great anticipation. “I’m looking forward to university, I want to go abroad on a scholarship to further my education and I want to continue this sport because I like it. I want to be world class ranked, hopefully number one someday and make a living from it,” asserted Wright.
Assistant City Manager of Miramar, Florida visits Champs 100
As a former track and field athlete, Vernon Hargray had mounting concerns that children did not have a place to practice. About eight years ago, he decided to change that.
In his position as assistant city manager of the city of Miramar in Florida he approached his commission and senior management and convinced them that they need to build a facility that will be able to house track and field athletes. He said he saw the move as a form of service and with a burning desire to do something positive he went for it.
But while the idea seemed great, Hargray said everyone did not get on board immediately, as there was some scepticism. “It started out with a lot of question marks about whether it could do what was presented,” revealed the Assistant City Manager, as he observed the proceedings from the VIP section at the ISSA GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championships at the National Stadium.
However, as luck would have it, the commission believed that something special was in the making. Hargray explained that what he envisioned as a dream became more of a vision from God and everything began to fall perfectly into place. “With that facility now, what appears to be something for a local or state meet, it’s designed now to take on an international profile.”
Channel 7 from Florida and Boston made a contribution of US$1m and with other assistance, the facility as built at a cost of US$16m. Now the Ansin Sports Complex in the City of Miramar, Florida stands proud. The 5000 seating stadium facility has the ability to go to 9000. There is a Mondo Surface, and facilities for steeplechase, long, triple and high jump, pole vault among others. Additionally, there are two press boxes, a multi-purpose room, offices, computer labs, classrooms.
With the facility in place, Hargray said he is committed to improving the lives of children from all walks, through his “track and learn” programme which includes educational field trips, information of the different occupations associated with sports, and empowering them. A camp is hosted by the Ansin Sports Complex, and a grant is extended to further assist those without the means of moving forward by themselves. “We’re not going to neglect any kids of the opportunity,” he said.
More intensity at Champs as spectators await the start of over 19 finals
The sound of drums beating, the whistles piercing the air, the screams of spectators, and the occasional shouts of joy all add to the excitement, and inevitably, you are captured in the thrill of the moment.
As the time winds down to the over 19 finals that will be contested today, the air inside the National Stadium is getting more intense with each passing minute.
More people are strolling in to witness yet another staging of the ISSA GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championships, as Day 3 of Champs 100 sees a better attendance than the two previous days. The crowd in the grandstand and bleachers is gradually increasing, and those not yet seated wander around impatiently.
You feel excited because everyone seems happy, and as the feelings become more intense, you have to wonder, who will it be, who will win this race, who will win the finals?
But, until the ultimate moment, there is only one thing to do. Wait.
Final day at Champs- Event poised for climatic end
Approaching the stadium on Saturday, the final day of the ISSA GraceKennedy Boy’s and Girls’ Championships, one thing is clear, something extraordinary is happening.
The traffic crawls along upper Mountain View Avenue and as you pass along the roads, youngsters in worn out clothing and dirty feet beckoned drivers to park at an open space. Several adults were seen running alongside cars selling tickets to the event. “Bleachers, Bleachers, a di last four ticket lef’, cheap cheap!” yelled one of them.
Meanwhile several vendors who had invaded the sidewalk along the stadium had souvenirs for the various schools. They know that they cater for a diverse fan base. They had flags, handkerchiefs and even school ties!
There was a myriad of other items and they shouted the names of each to passersby, hoping to grab a sale. Inside the stadium compound, the vendors were busy selling their wares, as the smoke from under their pots rose higher and crazier than the previous days.
But it was the vibrant fans inside the stadium that topped it all. The best attendance in the four day Championship and more people are still arriving.
The Grandstand is almost full, and several schools have set up camp in the Bleachers stands, the most vibrant being Kingston College as they beat their ‘bam bams’ in rhythm to celebrate their athletes, and erupt in excitement and cheers whenever their ranking is announced. On their side, there is never a dull moment, as they always keep the energy flowing.
There are over 20 finals left to be contested, and as the schools continue to gain points with the events taking place, there is no telling how the tables will turn. Until then, the celebration continues here at the National Stadium.
Holmwood Technical Girls continues fashion fury with warrior hairstyle
Burgundy and yellow, chiney bumps at both sides and corn rows in the middle with the ends looking as if each person had been electrocuted, that’s the style being sported by the entire girl’s team of Holmwood Technical High School.
The females are out with a bang as they parade their unique “Craab up Ting” hairstyle at the centenarian staging of the ISSA GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championship at the National Stadium.
Shanice McPherson, a member of the team who is at champs for the fourth time in a row explained that the name “Craab up Ting” represents the warrior–like nature of the team, as they are at Champs 100 to defend their title as the Girls’ Champions, having controlled the top spot since 2003.
She added that the name for the hairstyle as conceptualized by Holmwood’s Vice Captain, Nickeisha Beaumont, and adequately complements the teams yellow sport clothing, with burgundy writings. While it took a little over one hour to complete the style, a smiling McPherson who spoke with pride of her unique hairstyle declared that it was well worth the wait.
Former student of Manning’s School vows to get his alma mater to Champs 2011
Being at Champs after four conjures up a feeling of nostalgia for Leroy Bookal, as he recalls the years that his alma mater won the Girls’ Championships.
The GraceKennedy Board Director shared his views on the ISSA GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championships, while sitting in the Grandstands on Day 4- the final day of competition for Champs 100.
“It’s very exciting,” Bookal said of the 100th staging of the annual event. He looked away uneasily to check on one of the races that was taking place, while he was being interviewed. “I wasn’t an athlete but I was always supportive of my athletes and my school,” he said, noting that being at champs evokes many memories for him.
Memories of his alma mater Manning’s School dominating the 1966 Girls’ Championships, the last time he went to Champs, and thoughts of those who did well and got scholarships.
He lamented the fact that his school was not performing at the event this year, and vowed to get them back next year, when he hopes to be in the stands once again.
“My goal is to see Manning’s here next year and I’m going to do everything possible to get them here,” he said.
Energetic crowd keeps the vibes alive at Champs
As the finals of Champs 100 continue at the National Stadium, the spectators are more upbeat and energized. As each race begins, the cheers, screams, shouts and excitement ring throughout the venue, sending chills down your very spine.
Only a few empty spaces are visible in the stands, and even more people are pouring in to witness the remaining events of Champs 100. No doubt, it must be very exciting (and envious for anyone outside), to pass near the National stadium, as there is no place for calm inside.
As the runners approach the finish line, the spectators get on their feet, shouting, screaming and whistling. There appears to be an endless energy in the stadium, and this is absolutely amazing.
The crowd is busy doing the “wave”, and two sealed rounds circled the entire stadium, a fascinating aspect of Champs.
Back at Champs after over five decades
Over fifty years. That’s how long it has been since GraceKennedy External Board Member Gordon Sharp went to Champs. But after hearing of the excitement and the vibes that Champs 100 would bring, he could not miss this year’s staging of the ISSA GraceKennedy sponsored event.
“It’s lovely, it’s fantastic, beautiful, well organized and the competition is a lot more serious,” said Sharp, comparing this year’s event to his last trip to Champs in the 1950s. Sharp said he never competed in any events, but was always supporting his school Munro College. He noted that many things have changed since the last time he was at Champs, but expressed appreciation for all of them.
He said there are better times for the athletes, they are in better condition and there is more professionalism. Sharp was uncertain about being present at Champs next year, but exclaimed, “I certainly would like to be!”
Long time Champs fan says the event is different, but still competitive
“It’s fantastic, it’s a lot different now, but it’s still very exciting and competitive, that hasn’t changed,” admitted Christopher Bovell as he reminisced on his last Champs in 1955, and compared it to this year’s event.
Bovell’s last visit to Champs (at Sabina Park) came when he was a student at Munro College, as the External Director of GraceKennedy his status has also changed.
He was out supporting his team on the final day of Champs, but indicated that if his team did not win, he would like Wolmers’ Boys School to be victorious. “For them to win now in 2010 it would be fantastic,” he said, adding that Wolmers’ Boys School won the first Boys’ Champs in 1910.
Douglas Orane, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy pledges support for Champs 2011
Even with a few hours to go before the curtains close on Champs 100, Mr. Douglas Orane, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy Limited has already pledged his support for Champs 2011.
I caught up with Orane on the final day of Champs 100, and he walked the National Stadium showing his support. He expressed appreciation for being associated with the event, and revealed that GraceKennedy has an agreement with ISSA to be the main sponsors for next year. “We are honoured that ISSA has chosen us to be the main sponsor.
We like working with ISSA, they are a dedicated group of people and they have set an incredible example in having something that is 100 years old and has gone from strength to strength,” said Orane.
He said that preparations have already started for next year, and the team from GraceKennedy is observing the operations now to see how improvements can be made next year. He indicated that GraceKennedy is proud of its commitment, as he watched the races with a keen eye. “It’s our way of investing in our young people,” he concluded.
Campion College high jumper finally gets first gold after 6 years of Champs
Damon McLean has proven that with determination, anyone can achieve what they desire. The 19 year old Campion College student has been participating at Champs for the past six years without winning a gold medal, and while he won two other medals, they did not suffice. He came to this year’s ISSA GraceKennedy Boy’s and Girl’s championship to break that chain.
This is his last season at Champs, and he had his mind set on the top prize. He entered the Boys Triple Jump Open Class 1 event, which was sponsored by Grace Foods, and his dream became a reality. He jumped 15.28 metres, beating Jonathon Reid of Kingston College who jumped 15.25m and placed third, and Demar Robinson of Calabar High who scored 14. 75m.
“It’s a good feeling because I finally achieved the gold and I have been working so hard for it over the years and I finally got things right,” said McLean on Day three, shortly after he collected his gold medal from Gabrielle Sang, Marketing Manager of Grace Foods.“I know it’s the last year and there should be no mistakes so I wanted to get everything right,” he added.
McLean said he went over the tapes of last year’s Champs and made the necessary adjustments to avoid injuries, and is overjoyed that his efforts paid off.
With joy of his victory, he shares a few works for others who have had the goal elude them, and for those who might be nervous when performing. “It’s something that you have been doing all season, so just be confident and it will all work out, “ he said.
“Everything happens for a reason. If it’s a case where you didn’t put in enough work, you just need to work harder to achieve.”
Déjà vu- Inaugural Boys’ Champs winner cops victory at Champs 2010
Wolmers’ Boys School did it in 1910, and on the 100th anniversary of that win, the Boys from Heroes Circle did it again.
The curtain came down on a jam packed National Stadium, on the final day of Champs 2010, leaving the crowd in a frenzy.
As the starting gun was fired for the final race – the Boys 4x 400 metre Relay Open, all the spectators were on their feet, cheering, screaming, jumping and shouting with all their might- as if all their energy was bottled up for the ultimate race.
As the boys came around to the final 100 metres, the spectators erupted in a thunderous applause that sent the blood rushing. And when they crossed the finish line, it sheer happiness as the Wolmers’ Boys hugged and congratulated each other, then sped across the football field with their banner.
The victory is the first since 1956, and each Wolmerian must be filled with pride and happiness to know that their title has been returned.
Holmwood Technical makes eight in a row
The girls’ team of Holmwood Technical came out to defend their title at the ISSA GraceKennedy Boy’s and Girls’ Championship, with their “Craab up Ting” Hairstyle, and it seemed to have worked wonders.
Shanice McPherson, a student of the school, and a member of the track team explained that the hairstyle represents the warrior –like nature of the team.
The school has been winning the Girls’ Championships every year since 2003, and with hard work and dedication, the girls did it again.
The girls were still celebrating over half hour after they sealed their victory by completing the 4x400 metre Relay Open, and defied predictions that Edwin Allen High School from Clarendon would beat them for the top spot.
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