Latest ÐÓ°ÉÐÔ°É
Esher aiming to retain Western Primary Schools champs title - Organisers optimistic, grateful for event’s return
June 10, 2025
DESPITE being plagued with injuries, defending champions Esher Primary will aim to retain their title at the 13th staging of the Western Primary Schools Athletics Championship (WPSAC).
After a brief hiatus in 2024, owing to unavailability of a suitable venue, the event will take place on Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14, at Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay.
Lisa Blake, coach of Esher Primary, said the young team's aim is to do their very best to bring home the trophy.
"Our class is not as strong as the last championship. The team has been faced with a number of injuries over the past two months. However, the students are looking forward to this event and also we, the school, from last year," Blake said.
A repeating win would mark the second title for the Hanover-based Esher.
They will face strong opposition from three-time champions Corinaldi Avenue Primary of St James, two-time champions Wakefield Primary School from Trelawny, and former champions Howard Cooke Primary School, also from St James.
Speaking to STAR Sports, Albert Ferguson, meet director and chairman of the organising committee, expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the championship's return.
"This championship continues to serve as a vital stepping stone for young athletes in Jamaica, helping to instil discipline, encourage healthy competition, and build the foundation for future success in sports," said Ferguson, who has led the Western Primary Invitational Athletics Committee since 2009.
"This year, they are not only competing for medals but also making a statement of resilience, pride, and excellence," added Ferguson.
The organisers are expecting more than 750 students across 36 events.
This year's championship will feature 15 primary schools from the western parishes of Hanover, St James, Westmoreland and Trelawny.
This year, the newest school on board is Bogue Hill Primary.
The meet will kick off with the 800m open for boys and girls in classes one and two, an early showcase of the event's top talents.
Athletes will compete across four age-class categories, participating in a range of track and field events designed to test speed, strength, endurance, and teamwork.
Class One and Class Two athletes will compete in the 100m, 200m, 400m, long jump and 4x100m relay, each over three rounds. Class Three participants will challenge each other in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, while Class Four competitors will display their speed in the 80m, 150m, and 4x100m relay, with all events held over two rounds.
Ferguson commended the coaches for preparing their athletes for the event despite the setback.
"We are extremely pleased to be able to host this year's championship after last year's last-minute cancellation," he said. "It was a difficult decision at the time, but the commitment of our sponsors and the continued dedication of our coaches and athletes have brought us back stronger.
"With the support of the community and stakeholders, the 2025 championship promises to be a vibrant celebration of youth, talent, and school spirit," he added.
The event is sponsored by a coalition of partners, including Jamaica Public Service, the Sports Development Foundation, and the Taylor Art ÐÓ°ÉÐÔ°É Awards.
