Naggo Head will go in chase of an unprecedented fifth straight title as the 33rd Insports/Seprod Primary School Athletics Championships begins at the National Stadium today

The event starts at 10:00 am with the boys’ long jump Open. Only five of the 38 finals will be decided on the first three of the four-day championships with over 3,500 athletes battling for top honours.

Portmore-based Naggo Head, who set a record last year by claiming their fourth straight title, will be once again the team to beat, as they aspire to close the gap on Waterford Primary (10) and Rousseau Primary (six), the two most successful schools in these championships.

But the chasing pack led by Greater Portmore and New Providence will be seeking to deny the favourites of extending their record run.

Naggo Head’s assistant coach Oral Whilby says his school has always been well prepared. This time, however, he thinks that the championships will be much closer.

“We only won by 66 points and I don’t think that was a convincing one. You have schools such as Greater Portmore and New Providence, who have closed the gap, and will result in a much keener competition,” Whilby said

Nonetheless, Whilby is confident of claiming a fifth successive title.

“Naggo Head is very strong in the relays and we know that this is where we will be going full force and should come out victorious.”

Kirk Wright, coach of New Providence, also believes that the race towards the title will be closer than before

“My team is an all-round one with depth and we should be right in contention as the championships progress over the four days,” Wright said. “It is also a much better team than last year and we should be represented in all areas.”

Owen Webster, Insports Officer, who is the co-ordinator of the championships, said all systems are in place for a smooth show.

“This year, the championships should be very competitive and exciting and promises to thrill spectators, parents and school children, who are expected to provide their usual support,” Webster said.

“We have been running this competition for more than 30 years with very few hiccups, and with the capable and experienced staff that we have here we shouldn’t have any problems that we cannot resolve quickly,” he added.

Meanwhile, the sponsored events for the championships are as follows: 4×100 metres relay for Class Four girls — Hi-Lyte Sports Drink; Class Four boys’ 4x100m relay — Eve Brand; Class Three girls’ 100m — Musson Jamaica Limited; Class Four girls’ 60m — Hi-Lyte Sports Drink; Class Four boys’ 60m — Eve Brand; Class One boys’ 200m — Musson Jamaica Limited; Class Two girls’ 200m — Musson Jamaica Limited.

Tickets are available at the gate at a cost of $400 for adults and $200 for children.

The traditional opening ceremony will be staged on Friday at 3:00 pm with Natalie Neita-Headley, Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, expected to declare the championships officially open.