Sport

Baton change for Champs

By ANTHONY FOSTER, Staff Reporter

Clement Radcliffe, ISSA president - File

MILE RELAY TEAMS that draw lanes two to eight will now have to run 700 metres before they can cut into lane one.

That is a major change that will be implemented for this year's VMBS-sponsored Boys and Girls Athletics Championships to be staged over four days at the National Stadium, starting on March 24.

Previously, the 4x400 metres relay teams were allowed to make the cut for the inside lane from the 500-metre mark, which is really the start of the backstretch for the second leg runner.

Now, the second leg runner is eligible to first make the cut at the top of the homestretch, the same point where an anchor leg runner on a 4x100m relay would take the baton.

The change was announced at a press conference held by the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association at the Hilton hotel yesterday to launch the popular sporting event.

Another change relating to relay events will give coaches a wider option. Eight people can be registered - including four reserves - for the baton changing races. However, if a coach wants to substitute a runner, he does not necessarily have to use one of those registered, but any other member from his school's team.

Igloo ban

Organisers also pledged to beef up security measures by banning the use of igloos. This is designed to prevent weapons being brought into the facility.

Speaking at the press conference SSP Antonio Gaynor, who will be in charge of security, said over the years spectators have used igloos to bring weapons into the stadium.

There is a ban on knives, bottles and sticks.

"I will assure you our full support at Champs this year," Gaynor said after ISSA president Clement Radcliffe accused members of the security force at last year's Champs for being negligent.

Meanwhile, 105 schools (80 boys and girls, 13 girls only and 12 boys only) have already stamped their intent to compete in phase one of the registration process. Phase two of the registration procedure will close on Monday at 4:00 p.m., and ISSA has made it clear that no late entry will be accepted.

Radcliffe said the Champs budget will exceed $12 million and made a special plea for fans and athletes to take care of the facilities.

Grants and awards this year will run in excess of $400,000. Among the big ones are the champion boys and girls schools, which will receive $35,000 each; the boys and girls 4x400m relay winners will get $30,000 each to offset expenses to Penn Relays; the most improved boy and girl will receive $20,000 each to help in further developing and improving their athletic programme.

Youth Link a sponsor

Meanwhile, The Gleaner's Youth Link magazine will be sponsoring four events - 4x100m Class One boys, 4x100m Class Two boys, Long Jump Class Three girls and Triple Jump Open girls.

Two athletes, Sherone Simpson who participated last year in the sprints and 4x100m for Manchester and former Camperdown long jumper Andre Morris, were also awarded VMBS scholarships. Both are presently attending the University of Technology.

Two others, Princeton Herron, formerly of Glenmuir and former Manchester student Chantelle McLennon, received the S.W. Isaac-Henry Memorial and Barbara Jones scholarships from ISSA respectively.

Admission costs are: grandstand $50 for children, $150 for adults on Wednesday and Thursday, while for Friday and Saturday it will be a flat rate of $500 for children and $1000 for grandstand.

The bleachers will be closed on the first two days, the cost to enter on Friday will be $100 and $300 for Saturday.