Eastern primary athletics open at Stadium East with qualifiers, no finals on day one

No championship finals were run on Thursday as the Intersports Eastern Primary Athletics Championships began at the Stadium East Complex in Kingston. The opening day focused on qualifying rounds across the programme.

Defending champions from St. Thomas strengthened their standing by advancing athletes in most of their events. Meet director David Riley said the Eastern meet is the largest of the three regional Intersports gatherings and that he was pleased with how the schedule had unfolded so far.

“We have our hands full today with a lot of kids demonstrating their skill and really showing what they’ve been prepared to do,” Riley said. “A lot of schools are making the effort in exposing their athletes to the sport and to competition, some organized competition. That is very encouraging and we need to continue that area.”

Heavy wind made conditions demanding for competitors on the track. In Class One girls’ 400 metres qualifying, Riona Johnson of Half-Way-Tree Primary posted the fastest time at 1:05.39. Rashawn Campbell of Constant Spring Primary led the boys’ Class One 400 metres qualifiers in 1:01.99.

In field events, Tatiana Powell of Maxfield Park Primary topped high jump qualifying in the open division with 1.30 metres.

Organisers stressed that at this level the emphasis is on coaching quality and technical development, not raw speed alone. They want athletes to display sound technique across events and show skills built in training.

Riley said the meet resumes on Friday morning at 9:00 and concludes on Saturday.