The Little Caesars/JISA Prep School Championship returns today after a 2-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thirty-one schools will vie for this year’s championship trophy with many time champions Hydel Prep looking to defend their title at the two-day event. JISA Prep School Championship kicks off at 8:30 am.

Little Caesars Pizza were the title sponsors the last time the championship was held in 2019 and returned this year.

Speaking at the press launch last week Thursday at St Peter and Paul, marketing manager Oshane Thoms said his company was committed to playing its part in nation-building.

“We are a brand that prides ourselves on nation-building and one key way to build our nation is to support our young ones. Little Caesars has, in the past, sponsored prep champs and we were proud of the product and so we are back once again as title sponsor.

“I look forward to a great meet and championship where we can unearth great talent among our Little Heroes through track and field,” he said.

Chairperson of the JISA Sports Committee Trudy Hardy spoke of the importance of bringing back the championships.

“JISA welcomes the 43rd staging of the National Inter–Preparatory School’s championship. This annual event has become the hallmark of the National stadium producing quality races on the track.

“In addition, it allows our children to showcase their talents, but more importantly, our youngsters develop character and discipline. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, although we were in the planning stage for the competition, it was unfortunate that our youngsters were not able to compete. This spilled over to 2021. That break caused a lull in [the] Preparatory schools sporting fraternity. I am excited for the renewal of sports events and particularly for this year’s JISA/ Little Caesars’ National Prep Schools’ championship,” she said.

While acknowledging the relatively small number of participating schools, she also revealed that there will be three new entrants this year.

The three new entrants are Lorna Otto from Linstead, Liberty Learning Centre from Tower Isle in St Mary and Orange Day Prep in Hanover.

“Although we may not have the usual number of entries, we are delighted to boast 31 schools on board and hope that they will reap rich rewards from their participation. Within this group, we have three new schools. To our new schools – we welcome you with open arms and hope that you will be on board for a long time.”

Hardy boasted about the number of Olympians who got their start in track and field at the JISA Championships.

“JISA’s organising body continues to produce quality meet with outstanding performances from our youngsters. This is where talents and unearthed skills are honed. The likes of Sanya Richards, Meagan Tapper, Danielle Williams, O’Dayne Richards, Dujour Russell, Akeem Bloomfield and many others are born. This standard is endorsed and supported by our principals, coaches, teachers, parents, officials, sponsors and all other stakeholders,” she said.

Over 1,050 athletes are expected to participate in the event.