The NACAC Under-13 and Under-15 Championships launched today at the Managua Olympic Stadium in Nicaragua. A total of 139 athletes from 22 countries are participating in the two-day competition.
Jamaican Contingent
Jamaica has sent eight athletes to compete in the championships. Representing Jamaica in the Under-13 category are Jenoi Daley from St Patrick’s Primary, Doneila Speid and Davere Walker, both from Lyssons Primary, and Ricardo Granville from Naggo Head Primary.
The Under-15 athletes include Daneila Clarke and Dashanelle Clarke, both from Edwin Allen, and Dequan Dawkins and Nahjier Francis, both from Kingston College.
Coaching Staff and Event Details
The coaching staff includes Head Coach Wilbert Walker, a former Morant Bay High athlete. Mario Haughton from the JAAA serves as an assistant coach, along with Grace Bourah from Our Lady of the Angels Preparatory.
The Under-13 athletes will compete in the pentathlon, which consists of five events. The Under-15 athletes will participate in the heptathlon, a seven-event competition.
Competition Schedule and JAAA Perspective
The morning session commences at 7:30 Jamaica time. This includes the 60m for both genders in the Under-13 category, the 80m for Under-15 girls, the High Jump for Under-13 girls, the 80m for Under-15 males, the Long Jump for Under-15 females, and the Shot Put for Under-15 males. The afternoon session is scheduled to begin at 2:00 Jamaica time.
Garth Gayle, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), emphasized the importance of this level of competition.
“Building at the younger level is crucial. These are important investments in our young people and in track and field as a whole.”
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