Cayman Brac Primary School Sports

By Shakir Khan

The stadiums were packed with parents and residents as the 2020 School Sports event was about to get underway. The morning started out windy and cool but by the time the first event got underway, the sun was out in all its brightness.

The primary schools students were grouped into two teams - HORNETS AND CHARGERS, the defending champions. After the march past which was really a beautiful sight as waves of yellow and red flooded the grounds of the Cayman Brac Sports Complex, The Minister for Education, the Hon. Mrs. Julianna O’ Connor Connolly gave the opening remarks and then declared the days’ event opened. The Minister was accompanied by the SSIO for the Sister Islands, Mr. Adrian Jones and Director of SASI, Mr. Mitchum Sanford.

As the various events took place, parents were very much excited in seeing their children participate. You could hear them urging the young ones as they thrust themselves into the event. The children participated with great enthusiasm and determination. As they lined up at the starters call area, it was so refreshing to hear them encouraging each other to well, even though they were in competition.

The bean bag event, featuring the tiny tots was one of the most exciting to watch. The joy and fervency with which they performed was admirable. And yes, the parents were there cheering them on to the finish line.

Another event was the 100 meters bicycle race. From start to finish it was loud cheering and tooting of horns as the cyclists rode their bicycles with gusto and determination.

The much anticipated relay events were held last of all. This event has become the most gruelling but generating the most excitement. First off were the Junior girls, 4 x100 meters. It was hotly contested and very competitive. You could see the girls stretching every muscle as the baton passed from one hand to next. Chargers won this event. Next, was the Junior boys. Here it was even more competitive and close indeed. But Hornets had some true speedsters and they triumphed in the event.

Next was the Senior girls 4x100 meters event. Pushing with intense determination, handing off the baton was really skilful. Yes, there was very close interchanging at the various 100m marks, but it was Hornets who sped away with this event.

The culminating event of the day was the Senior boys 4X 100m relay. This raised great buzz amongst the spectators with varying predictions of the winner. The event featured some of the fastest runners here on the Brac. With thunderous cheering and tooting of horns the event got off as expected - WITH SPEED. Some of the running and passing of batons were breath-taking. By the time the athletes began crossing the finish line, it was obvious that Hornets was going to take this event as well. And they did.

As the dust settled Hornets emerged as this year’s winners, to rapturous applause. For this year the following were the champions:

• Junior Girls - Marsee Walton - Chargers

• Senior Girls - Antoneil MacDonald - Chargers

• Junior Boys - Dakota Brown - Hornets

• Senior Boys - Jeremiah McLean.

Around 2:30 p.m the curtains came down on another exciting day of fun, excitement and competition.