Mandeville, Manchester — Chief organiser, Olympian Deon Hemmings-McCatty is expressing delight at how last month’s Central Junior Schools Classic Track and Field Meet at the Kirkvine Sports Club turned out.

“It was exceptional,” said Hemmings-McCatty, who became Jamaica and the English-speaking Caribbean’s first female Olympic Gold medallist when she won the 400m hurdles in Atlanta in 1996.

“We had a little rain but it did not stop us,” she added.

Hemmings-McCatty said about 800 children, age seven to 12, from 25 schools and a single sports club participated in the meet which was being held for the fifth time. While most competitors came from Manchester, there were also participating schools from Clarendon, St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St Catherine, as well the youth club, Rockets of St Ann.

“Our aim is to unearth hidden talent, so we don’t turn anybody away,” said Hemmings-McCatty.

Rockets topped the points table with Hydel second, and Black River Primary third. The top three schools received cash prizes.

Claiming the event was “very well organised”, Hemmings-McCatty who is a founding organising committee member thanked fellow committee members, volunteers, and “very importantly the sponsors” for their contribution.