With the third Inter-secondary Schools Track and Field Championships kicking off next week, the country’s young athletic stars are wrapping up their groundwork as they prepare to run, jump and throw for gold.

The islands’ premier high school track and field event will see an expected 300 athletes from eight high schools facing off on Monday, 2 April and Tuesday, 3 April at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex.

This year, the Ministry of Sports is joining forces with the Ministry of Education, the Cayman Islands Athletic Association (CIAA) and event sponsors Dart and Maples to make this year’s event another sporting highlight.

“This event serves as an important stepping stone for many of our young athletes. Here they can test their skills, find their strengths and work out their weaknesses on home soil,” said the Minister of Sports the Hon. Mark Scotland.

“The Inter-Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships is truly invaluable as it fosters confidence and develops character, preparing athletes for bigger challenges and we thank the event sponsors for their generous contributions,” he added.

Adding his ministry’s weight to the event this year, Minister of Education the Hon. Rolston Anglin noted: “There is no doubt in my mind that sports at school level is an important ingredient in a child’s educational experience. As such I encourage all students, whether athletes or supporters, to attend both days of competition. I also thank all the teachers and coaches for supporting this event.”

Both ministers encouraged parents and the wider community to attend the free event in support of the country’s youth.

“This is our students’ chance to shine, and as a community, we should be there,” urged Minister Scotland.

Cayman Islands Athletic Association President Dalton Watler echoed the sentiment: “This track and field event was designed to give our athletes a chance to participate and shine in front of a home crowd and we encourage people to come out and support them.”

To date, students from John Gray, Clifton Hunter, Triple C, Layman E. Scott, Grace Christian Academy, Cayman Academy, Cayman International School and Wesleyan Christian Academy have been registered to participate.

Admission is free and event times are Monday, 2 April from 9am – 3pm and Tuesday, 3 April from 4 – 9pm.