KINGSTON, Jamaica — This year’s 37th staging of the INSPORTS Junior High & All-Age Athletics Championship will be held at the National Stadium East.

Twenty-three schools are expected to participate at the three-day event which runs from April 15 to 17.

Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) administrative director Ian Andrews says cost was the biggest factor in shifting the event from its perennial venue, the National Stadium.

“It will cost us $3 million to stage this year’s event,” said Andrews during a media briefing at the INSPORTS boardroom.

“We are without any kind of sponsorship this year, which makes it very difficult for us financially. But the show must go on. We do not believe moving to the National Stadium East will take away the quality of the meet itself.”

The event will get underway at 9:00 am and end at 5:00 pm each day.

Chairman of the Institute of Sports Don Anderson noted the importance the agency plays in nation building.

“A lot of our top athletes have competed at primary champs or junior high champs, meets that are put on by the Institute of Sports, and that is the extent to which INSPORTS plays a vital role in the development of sport in this country. But we are a very important cog in terms of sport development in this country,” he said.

Meantime, Oral Whilby, the coach of defending champions Windward Road, said his team is confident of defending their title after ending John Mills’ 22-year run.

Patrons can purchase tickets at the gate with $200 for children, $400 for adults.