THE Inter-Secondary School Sports Association (ISSA) has been abuzz with activity for the better part of a year as it prepared for the 100th celebration of the annual Boys’ & Girls’ Athletic Championships.

There was excitement emanating from organising committee chairperson Colleen Montague, as she spoke about the event, especially the big plans for Tuesday’s opening ceremony.

The cultural display will include popular artistes, song, dance, a skydiving display, and a laser show.

“It has been months of preparation…this year is a big event and it needs to be recognised for what it is,” the Wolmer’s Girls’ School principal said.

ISSA is made up of school principals, but Montague stressed that the members are a professional group, who will not favour any school at crunch time.

“We know that because we are professional in what we do, we have to remain neutral and we know that we are there to encourage all the athletes though we are delighted when our school wins, but it is behind the scenes,” she said.

Montague was thrilled also that there is no dominant favourite athlete or school which she feels will add to the anticipation of Saturday’s final day and help give spectators, both from here and overseas, something special to look forward to.

“Field events are going to count and so we really want people to come out and see the field events on Wednesday and Thursday, the pole vault, the discus, and high jump are going to be the point breakers for most of the teams.”

Security as usual is high on the agenda of the schools sports governing body and has always been a factor in past events, but members of the police force met with schools early in the season to discuss plans and help keep the situation under control.

“During the school tours they have been stressing non-violence… it’s an ongoing effort (so) let’s keep the violence out of it and let’s just support our team,” Montague said.