Montague pleased with first-day execution

Chairman of the organising committee for the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletic Championships, Colleen Montague, says she was pleased with the execution of the first day of the five-day championships, currently taking place inside the National Stadium.

Montague admitted some disappointment that spectators continue to shun the opening day of the championships despite the free admittance, but believes there are some positive signs as she looks forward to another successful staging of the event.

"Things are going very well, everyone has carried out their part, it was an amazing effort on everyone's part to ensure that everything was in place for today (yesterday)," Montague told The Gleaner. "We had some very minor hiccups, but we are pleased with where we are.

"We know that each day is different. Tomorrow (today) brings another complexion because all the schools will be out, and by Friday, the spectators will all be out, so every day brings a different aspect to Champs, and we just take it day by day," Montague added.

"We take it year by year, and what we have been seeing on all of the days is a vast improvement over a few years ago. We are taking it step by step, and we are working with all of our stakeholders. In a few years we will see even more improvements on these days," she said.

The Wolmer's Girls' School principal was also disappointed that the demand for grandstand tickets could not be met, but reminded fans that there will be an opportunity to watch the event on big screen outside the National Stadium's main gate on Saturday.

"We are very unhappy that we are unable to satisfy the demands of so many persons who want to be here with us," Montague said. "We will be having a screen outside for persons who come and aren't able to get inside, they will be able to view it and experience it there."