CATHERINE HALL, St James — The sixth annual MVP Grassroots Athletics Programme Advanced Training Camp got off to a good start at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, and President Bruce James said they could not have asked for more.

Over 120 students from 31 schools turned up for the camp which James described as “excellent”. He also said the event continues to be popular among the students and the coaches in the region.

“We are amazed that after six years of running this programme that the feedback from the schools is still strong and powerful. Every year the schools ask us to allow them to take more athletes and more schools are asking to come, and as you can see we have more than 120 kids here.”

James said they were oversubscribed on Saturday. “Even though we try to cap it at 120 per camp, the schools are always demanding more from us and we always respond.”

The students were separated in groups and taken through several disciplines — hurdles, sprints, distance, throws, jumps and relays by IAAF- certified coaches.

The sponsors, James said, were crucial to the success of the event as student athletes all received meals and hydration as well as t-shirts and other gift bags.

“Without the sponsors this could not have happened,” he said. “We are off to an excellent start and not sure we can ask for more.”

There were several awards for the outstanding athletes as well as coach for the day with St Hilda’s Diocesan High and Cornwall College getting two awards each in the girls’ and boys’ sections.

Kenroy Halstead of Petersfield High was named the top coach.

Jennifer Christie of St Hilda’s won the Reggae Jammin Girl of the Camp, with Dhenecia Pinnock winning the Powerade Girl of the Camp award. Kamila Alexander of Manning’s School won the top prize of the Digicel Girl of the Camp award, Natalia Scarlett of Ocho Rios was the Puma Girl of the Camp winner, and Judeen Aird of Petersfield won the NCB Foundation Girl of the Camp award.

Akeem Gordon of Cornwall College won the Puma Boy of the Camp award and his teammate Richardo Thompson won the Powerade Boy of the Camp award.

Roan Hylton of Green Island High won the top prize of the Digicel Boy of the Camp award, Malik Isaacs won the NCB Foundation Boy of the Camp, while Tevaughn Tate of Petersfield High won the Reggae Jammin Boy of the Camp award.