The stage is set for one of the biggest school sporting spectacles of the year, with nearly 700 athletes from ABCAS and 16 secondary schools competing in the 2026 National Interschool Track and Field Championships. This year’s edition is already being described as one of the largest on record.
Long regarded as one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures on the national school sports calendar, the championships once again bring together the country’s top young athletes in a spirited contest for school pride and athletic supremacy.
The four-day meet opened yesterday, March 12, with the first race at 4:45 p.m. and a packed programme that included several events, among them field events (long jump, high jump, shot put, javelin, and triple jump), 400m heats, and the 1500m finals. The large number of athletes led to the introduction of 4 *100m relay qualifying rounds in all age categories, which were deferred due to the late start of day one.
Day one closed with an entertaining opening ceremony featuring performances from several schools, before brilliant fireworks lit up the night sky just after 10:30 p.m., setting an energetic tone for the competition ahead.
Day two opens with the finals in three field events (long jump, high jump, shot put), the preliminary rounds for the 100m dash, and 400m finals. It is anticipated that the 4×100 m relay heats will also take place early on day 2 (today).
More than medals and bragging rights are at stake. Interschool track and field remains one of the country’s most important showcases of emerging athletic talent, serving as a critical talent-identification platform and a pathway for selection to the CARIFTA Athletics Games.
Defending boys’ and girls’ champions PMS will once again be under the spotlight as they seek to retain both titles. The championships also mark the school’s first appearance under new principal Mrs. Roberts, following more than a decade of dominance during the tenure of former principal, now Sports Commissioner, Dr. Greene.
With the competition now fully underway, organisers are anticipating a full house of supporters over the weekend as the nation rallies behind its young athletes.