Trudy Hardy, the chairperson for Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA) sports committee, has welcomed the return of sporting activities after the two-year break forced by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The association staged its track and field competition in the summer to end the academic year. To kick off the 2022-23 school year, the netball and football competitions began last month.

“Everybody was ready and raring to go to start the competitions — the schools, the parents, and the coaches were really ready for competition. The feedback has been good and everybody is excited to be back on board,” Hardy said, while noting competition has not been limited to urban area schools.

“For football, especially, we have included rural schools, schools from Clarendon, Manchester, and from western parts of the island including St James and Hanover.”

Hardy noted the celebration of JISA Week, from November 6-12, which featured various activities including promotional events, seminars, talent concert and church service.

“I want to thank my sport committee and everyone for all the work. The members are volunteers and have worked very hard and the schools have come out to participate even though we had that break they’ve still pushed through,” she said.

The sports committee boss also praised title sponsor Little Caesars and associate sponsors GraceKennedy and Nestle for partnering for the staging of the track and field competition; Locker Room Sports for football; and the Learning Hub for netball.