It was all excitement as the Mayberry-sponsored Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Annual Athletics Championships concluded on Saturday at the Police Sports Club on Elletson Road. The two-day event, which had the opening day the previous Saturday on May 21, was also sponsored by Police Co-Operative Credit Union.

There was a host of activities scheduled for the last day, including a surprise performance from iconic singer Ken Boothe. The national event showcased members of the JCF from different divisions engaging in friendly rivalry in events, including the 100-metre and 200-metre sprints for males and females.

Robert Montague, minister of national security, was in attendance at the championships, which saw Dr Carl Williams, commissioner of police, declaring the event open at 9:00 Saturday morning.

Hundreds of spectators were out to witness the crowning of the fastest policeman and policewoman of 2016. The championships saw eight divisions/areas competing for the new Mayberry Investment/Jamaica Police Co-Op Credit Union trophy. The previous Police Co-Op Credit Union trophy was retired to Area 8, who won the championship for seven consecutive years.

Area 8 Mobile Reserve continued where they left off and once again won the JCF Annual Athletics Championships copping 32 trophies, 12 of were are first places. The overall champion athlete was Auther-Lee Byran, securing 44.5 points for Area 2 Portland division. She was also the champion track and field female athlete, receiving the Sagicor Trophy and the Jamaica Ex-Police Cadet Association trophy repectively.

The top track champion male athlete was Maxroy Hill from Area 3 Clarendon division, who was awarded the Guardian Life Trophy. The top field champion was male athlete Ayon Ricketts from Area 8 Mobile Reserve, who received the Jamaica Ex-Police Cadet Association trophy.

Invitational races featured local clubs and institutions such as Mico, GC Foster, Camperdown High, Vauxhall High, and the Police Youth Clubites.

Chris Berry, chairman of Mayberry Investments, said the company was elated to be a part of the event.

“We are honoured to have been a significant part of this event. To see the camaraderie between divisions and the friendly rivalry unfold on the track… it was a wonderful day for the police who showed true competitive spirit.”