Cayman’s CARIFTA junior hopefuls and primary school students took part in the inaugural Cayman Islands Athletics Association Appleby Junior Track Meet Saturday at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex.
Hundreds turned out to cheer on the athletes. However, none of the junior competitors was able to clock a qualifying time for upcoming international meets, including the CARIFTA Games, set for next month in Bermuda. But CIAA president Lance Barnes said the new track meet also offered a great opportunity for the younger students to prepare for next week’s inter-primary school meet.
“It’s a series of two meets,” said Barnes of the inaugural event. “The first meet is today [Saturday], and the second meet will be March 28. Knowing that the inter-primary school meets are coming up very soon, getting these primary school students competing here today is wonderful. “With all this young talent, we’re looking to harness all of it and make sure we give them all the resources they may need, in continuing to represent the Cayman Islands locally and internationally.”
He added that he would like to see an equally strong turnout of onlookers as Saturday’s event for future meets. “I’m quite surprised with the amount of parents, teachers and supporters that are in the stands,” said Barnes. “Usually our meets are not very well attended. I would like to say how happy we are to have Appleby on board, they reached out to us and this is a tremendous occasion for CIAA.”
According to Barnes, Appleby and CIAA have agreed to a long-term partnership. The second meet in the series will also take place at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex.
“Appleby are constantly looking to really give back to the community and this opportunity arose and it’s something we are extremely proud of,” said Appleby partner Jacob McAdam. “It’s really just a good showpiece for local talent. It’s really nice to see all these young athletes here with their families, supporting them. “The sport has produced a lot of excellent athletes over the years and this is something that we want to see continue to grow and prosper. The younger ones are the future of the country and it’s really good to see them turning out in full force today.”
Appleby sponsored the event with cash awards and silverware, and staff also volunteered at the meet.
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