Grange impressed with talent at Primary Champs

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange was very impressed with the young track and field talent on display over the three days of the INSPORT All Island Track and Field Championships, which ended last Saturday at the National Stadium.

Spanish Town Primary were crowned champions after dethroning defending champions Lyssons Primary.

"I feel very good. Every year we do better and better," said Grange in an exclusive interview with The Gleaner following the conclusion of the championships. 

"I want to say that the future looks great for Jamaica. When I looked at the performances of these kids, they are even better than the athletes now when they were at their age and so it means we can certainly get better and better and when those have left, these youngsters will continue that legacy," she continued.

She spoke about the contribution her Government has made to the development of the sport. 

"We, as a Government, have created a nursery in track and field championships at the primary-school level. This is the nursery, and the nursery is in good hands," she shared.

Grange thanked some of the people who made the championships a success. "I would like to commend the chairman, Custos Ian Forbes, Assistant Executive Director Ms Ann Marie Heron, and the entire INSPORT staff as they have done a wonderful job, and special commendation for meet director, coach David Riley."

She also spoke about the continuity of the legacy in the sport. 

"I am very confident that the legacy of the likes of the late Herb McKenley, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and others will continue as we really have some exceptional talents for the future, and I am proud to be the minister of sports."