THE third staging of the Ovaltine/Cadbury Finals, a development track meet for preparatory schools, will be staged this morning at the National Stadium.

The organisers, Anthrick Sports Management (ASM), said this year’s tournament is being held in a difficult economic climate, but thanked sponsor Ovaltine/Cadbury for having faith in the meet.

“This third year has been the most challenging, (but) with the help of our sponsors, partners and the Almighty at the helm we pray this meet will be a successful one,” said chief organiser Ricardo Martin.

“I would like to use this opportunity to say a big thank you to all our sponsors,” he said.

In a move to boost the event, new and exciting initiatives have been introduced, he said.

“We aim to make it one with a difference by providing schools not only with relays, heats and finals but also to give coaches a chance to pick from a pod of six athletes.

“We would also see an additional event to the schools with ‘special children’ as they will use this platform as a development for special games,” said Martin as he addressed the launch at the Altamont Court Hotel in Kingston on Thursday.

ASM is also seeking to attract increased participation of rural schools in the development meets and Preparatory Champs.

“We recognise the challenges that all schools face in the participation in development meets, especially the additional costs rural schools face in travelling to Kingston.

“In collaboration with one of our sponsors, Singer Jamaica Ltd, this year (we will offer) a special prize to the top rural school. The prize consists of a deep freezer, refrigerator or a 42″ flat screen television,” Martin announced.

This year’s meet patron is Kingston College athlete Clive Pullen.