30 schools for JISA/CPJ meet

More than 30 schools are set to compete in the highly anticipated 2017 staging of the Jamaica Independent Schools Association-Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited (JISA-CPJ) Invitational Friendship meet to be held in Montego Bay, St James, next week.

The one-day meet, which is in its fifth year, is slated to be staged at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall on Wednesday, April 12.

The number of schools participating this year is up by six when compared to last year's event, where institutions such as St John's Prep and Victor Dixon High were in the top rankings at the primary level and secondary level, respectively.

Both institutions will make a return this year, which will feature 24 schools such as St James Preparatory School, New Horizon Preparatory School, Hemmingay Prep, and Hosanna Prep School in the Preparatory School Division.

Achievers Multi-Resource Centre, Genesis Academy, Northgate High, Victor Dixon High, Victory Academy, Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf, and St John's High will make up the high school category.

"The meet is aimed at strategically contributing to the nation-building process by using sporting activities to promote value-based education," explained Pastor Wesley Boynes, president of the Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA), at Tuesday's launch in the Second City.

HIGHLIGHTING TALENT

"The unique meet further seeks to highlight athletic talent from various independent schools located in western and central Jamaica," he added.

The event will have three classes for both prep and high schools and feature all the standard relays, high jump, long jump, ball throw, shot put, and more. There will, however, be a few special events for the physically and mentally challenged student athletes.

"We believe that sports can be used as a powerful tool to pass on values, principles, and character development. This belief is the core operating principle behind the concept of this invitational meet, and what CPJ and associate sponsors are investing in," Boynes outlined.

The meet will also be used as a platform for charity, with all participating student athletes being asked to bring in gifts (including cash) that will be donated to an aid organisation.

Rajah Thomas of CPJ noted that the company has been proud to be part of the event since day one and hopes to continue future sponsorship.