Raymond Graham, Freelance Writer

Thirty-eight athletes drawn from primary, junior high and high schools will leave the island on Wednesday to represent the country at the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) Track and Field Championships to be held in Tortola, British Virgin Island (BVI) this weekend.

The athletes were selected based on performances in the Blue Cross Primary and Junior High Championships which was held at the National Stadium in May. The team also includes some high school athletes who have performed at these championships over the years. They will be competing in four age groups - Under-9, Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15.

Top girl

St Ann's Mark Smith who was first in the 80 metres and 150 metres is the top male in the Under-9 age group. Manchester's Shanique Wynter who dominated the 50 and 80 metres is the top girl in this age group.

In the Under-11 section the top male and female are Onique Wright and Kimone Shaw. Wright was outstanding for the parish of St Elizabeth in the May meet where he won the 100 metres. Shaw out of St Ann was also a winner over the 100 metres.

Top boy in the Under-13 category is St Catherine's Kevon Rattray who was a winner in the 100 and 200 metres while the top female is Antonique Drummond of Westmoreland who was first in the 100 metres.

Winners at the last CUT meet, Melissa Williams of St Jago High who will be doing the shot put and 100 metres along with Manchester High's Chanice Porter in the high jump are the top Under-15 girls.

Boys' Championships Class Three 200 metres champion, Jazheel Gayle of Bridgeport Comprehensive High School along with Kingston College's Clive Pullen are the top Under-15 boys. Gayle will compete in the 100 and 200 metres while Pullen will do the high and long jump events.

Jamaica will be seeking their third consecutive hold on the title and head coach of the team, Arthur Edwards, is very confident. "The kids have been working out on weekends at GC Foster College for the past three weeks and they are all in good shape and ready to compete," said Edwards.

The other officials who will leave with the team are head of delegation Basil Benjy, manager - Hewitt Johnson; technical leader - Edwin Murray; coaches - Kadian Flemmings, Viane Wynes and Heron Reid. Dysilin Hatley will be the housemother while housefather will be Dalton Walker.