Laxfest tournament on today at Calabar
Published:Saturday | December 10, 2022 | 1:13 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
The annual Jamaica Lacrosse Association (JLA) Laxfest tournament returns to the local calendar after a two-year absence, at the Calabar High School today, starting at 8 a.m.
Thirteen teams, six boys’ and five girls’, will participate in the tournament, which is mainly an exhibition and developmental event.
JLA vice president Dwight Clarke said despite the decrease in the number of participating teams, they are hoping the event will reignite interest and participation in local lacrosse.
“We are going to stage Laxfest for the first time since COVID-19. So it is just a matter of matching up with the next team and see where they are and what they need to work on
“Some people were really not playing. Some have just come back and it is just a matter of getting reacclimatised. So I am really excited, so let us see how it goes,” he said.
The first game is set to start at 9 a.m. and the last game starts at 4:30 pm. Games will be played every half hour, alternating between the girls and boys.
“Everyone can come and see what lacrosse is all about. We have a decrease in the number of schools this year but this is just an effort to get back in touch with everybody and get them reactivated. It is going to be an event everybody can come watch and enjoy,” Clarke added.
Laxfest is not a title competition and teams will play under a rally format, noted Clarke.
“Teams will play each other with no winners. It just a day of practice and getting to know your team and for coaches to know exactly where they are at.
“So there’s no pressure attached to this competition. It is a workout exercise where coaches can look at their teams and see what they need to work on.
“But we hope to reignite the sport and let everyone know that it is here to stay and we are getting better and better at it,” he said.
Despite the decrease in teams, one new school, St Catherine High, will be participating in both male and female competitions.
“We were hoping for Merl Grove High to be there but they decided that they are not read. But Laxfest is not about who is ready, it is about coming out and enjoying yourselves,” he added.