New Providence confident of retaining title

New Providence are oozing confidence that they will retain the Seprod/Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) Primary Schools Athletics Champion-ships, starting today and ending on Saturday at the National Stadium.

"We are positive in winning the championships for the second time in the school's history," coach of New Providence, Terron Brown told The Gleaner yesterday. "This year, the team is missing only four boys from last year and the girls are stronger, so all things being equal, we will win again.

Brown added: "They have been training well and doing some good times on the track. The team is ready for the challenges after suffering some injuries earlier this year."

$20 million sponsorship

Title sponsor, Seprod Group, in its 10th year, has pumped $20 million into the 35th staging of the four-day meet. A total of $8 million will go towards providing meals for athletes and coaches, as well as $100,000 each to the champion boy and girl to assist in the cost of their education.

Brian Smith, assistant meet director, says that a total of 4,465 athletes from 93 schools are expected to participate.

New Providence apart, other schools expected to challenge are 10-time winners Waterford, six-time champions Rousseau, four-time winners Naggo Head, and St Benedicts, who have won the title three times in the past.

The grandstand will be the only section open to spectators. Students will pay $200 and adults $400 on the first two days. Entrance for adults on the last two days is $500.