BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AS the first scholastic track and field meet approaches, some major changes have been announced that would occur during the staging of this year’s meets.
From March 22-23 the St. Kitts-Nevis Amateur Athletic Association (SKNAAA) will be hosting the 2014 RAM’S Primary Schools Championships, and a week later, from March 28-30, the TDC Inter-School Championships.
Speaking with this publication, SKNAAA Public Relations Officer Evris Huggins stated that excitement around the meets has already started.
“We are very excited! Preparations are going very well. It is a lot of work we are putting in behind the scenes. The LOC meetings are coming a lot more frequent and advertisment has already started for both meets.
He also stated that track and field enthusiasts could expect changes at the meets.
“You can expect changes in the formats for both meets. For the RAM’S Primary Meet, we have decided to change the days. Instead of three days it is going to be two days of competition.
“The top 16 for the RAM’S Primary School Meet in the 800, 1200, Long Jump, the High Jump and the other field events, they have standards they have to meet.”
Huggins also stated that they are happy with the new pricing structure for the meet.
“We are excited about the new pricing structure. We are offering season passes. The Kim Collins Pavilion is $25 daily and season pass for the RAM’S Primary is $40; the Metal Stands is $15 daily and season pass is $20 while the Grounds are $10. Primary school students are admitted for free.”
He also spoke of changes for the TDC Inter-School Championships next weekend.
“For the TDC Inter-School Championships, we have revised the categories. We wanted to fall in line with what the IAAF CARIFTA has already made the change. The CAC A and B Junior Championships will take that same format as well, so we now have the Under 20, Under 18, Under 16 and Under 14 for the TDC Inter-School Championships.”
Huggins also spoke of the pricing structure for the TDC Inter-School Championships.
“We are also going to add more events. The admission is $25 daily for the Kim Collins Pavilion, $15 for the Metal Stands, $10 for Grounds and $5 for children. Season pass for the Kim Collins Pavilion is $60 and season pass for the Metal Stands is $30. That is actually giving you a free day of entry.”
The PRO disclosed that there would be an increase in cash prizes on offer at the two meets.
“There will be $25 000 in cash prizes up for grabs. The Primary School Meet winner used to get S3 100, thanks to our sponsor RAM’s. They have given us another $5 000, so it is now $8 100.
“The TDC Inter-School was $12 200 and it is now up to $15 000.”
