Big turnout expected for Wesley Powell Benjamin meet

High school athletes preparing for the 2026 track and field season will get an early look at their form before the Christmas break as they line up at tomorrow's 22nd staging of the Wesley Powell Benjamin Track and Field Meet, set for Excelsior High School starting at 8:30 a.m.

Over 1,200 athletes and 52 teams have registered for the meet, which will feature a number of over-distance events. Athletes will compete in the 150m, 300m, 600m, 1000m, 3000m, 5000m and the 4x300m relays, while the javelin and discus throw are also on the programme.

Meet organiser David Riley highlighted several new initiatives for this year's staging.

"We have put in a lot of things for the meet, including free Wi-Fi (powered by Flow) to make it an experience for athletes, coaches and spectators," said Riley.

He also noted that, for the first time, the meet is listed on the World Athletics Global Calendar. This means that performances will be recognised by the global body, and athletes will earn valuable World Athletics ranking points.

"Teams from western Jamaica will receive hospitality from the organisers and non-perishable food items for their schools. The title sponsor, P. Benjamin, will also be providing sanitary specials for schools from the western parishes," Riley added.

As is customary, the meet will honour outstanding past students of the institution. This year's recipients are Marva Bernard, OD, Dr. Audrey Hinchcliffe, CD, and Carl Bradshaw, OD.