In what she described as a move to encourage student athletes to give of their best, Sport Minister Olivia Grange says the cash prizes for the winners from the regional champs as well as the grand finals in the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) All-Island Primary Schools Athletics Championships, will be increased.

Grange made the announcement at the media launch for the championships on Tuesday, which was held at the National Indoor Sports Arena.

“I think that it is important to encourage youngsters, as you put your heart into representing Jamaica, representing your school and representing your community. I felt it was important to increase the prize money,” she said.

The first-place winner at the regional level will receive $350,000 cash, while second place will bag $250,000, and third place $200,000. Fourth to tenth place will receive $100,000 each.

In the national championships, $600,000 will go to first place, with second and third places receiving $350,000 and $300,000, respectively. Fourth to tenth place will each receive $150,000.

“A big thank you to Devon Biscuits for coming on board to assist. We really appreciate your sponsorship. And we want to welcome Pitec on board as a new sponsor,” Grange said.

The 42nd staging of the INSPORTS All-Island Primary Schools Athletics Championships kicks off with the Eastern Championships, May 1-3, at the Stadium East followed by the Central Championship, May 6-8, at the GC Foster College in Spanish Town. The Western Championship will be held at St Elizabeth Technical High School May 9-11. The grand finale to decide the All-Island champion — the Nationals — will be at the National Stadium between May 20 and 22.

Just over 130 schools are registered with approximately 6,000 students set to compete at the three regional championships leading up to the grand finale.

Lyssons Primary School of St Thomas are the defending Eastern and National champion; Spanish Town Primary of St Catherine are the defending Central champion; and St James Corinaldi Avenue Primary are the Western champion.

Devon Biscuits has injected $27 million into the event, the largest sponsorship in the history of the championships.

“As the title sponsor, we believe that with adequate resources, the right mentorship and a supportive community, anything is possible for these athletes,” Sherene Bryan, brand manager for Devon Biscuits, said. “It is a great honour to be given this opportunity to support, foster and encourage over 6,000 students from 133 primary schools across Jamaica. Devon Biscuits has been provided with the platform to change lives, make a big impact, while unearthing talent in various sporting disciplines.”

St Andrew Custos and Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Vice-President Ian Forbes said the All-Island Primary Schools athletics championships is a stepping stone for athletes who wish to pursue athletics at a higher level.

“This event in its 42nd year has been a major one on the JAAA calendar and it’s a stepping stone for greater things. It has provided a lot of the talent we have seen. The seniors transition from juniors, so it all begins here. This is a golden opportunity for the athletes and it can be a life-changing experience,” he said.

Tageria Jones, marketing executive at Pitec Publishing, a first-time sponsor for the event, says her company will invest $3.1 million in cash and prizes.

“At Pitec we believe in the power of partnerships and the importance of supporting initiatives that enrich lives and drive positive change,” Jones said. “And that is why we are proud to be a part of this year’s championships. It is a true testament to our commitment to fostering creativity, education, sportsmanship and empowerment.”