Plans for the 34th edition of the Frank “Pancho” Rahming Primary School Track and Field Championships were announced Thursday at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.
On hand for the special announcement was Director of Sports Tim Munnings, event organizer Mike Sands, and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard.
The three-day event will take place May 24-26 at the old Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.
“We expect this to be one of the largest editions of this event to date,” Sands said.
“We have athletes coming from all over. From Andros down to as far as Mayaguana.
“This event is free. So, there is no excuse not to come out and support these athletes that we consider to be our diamonds in the rough.”
Last year, Pintard played a vital role in bringing back the meet, after it faced the potential of being canceled. Now, the minister said he wants to see it expanded moving forward, with the addition of more schools and islands.
“Young people, particularly at the elementary school level, are at a stage where they are discovering their gifts and their talents,” Pintard said.
“So, we want to provide a platform for them where they are able to shine and show off their gifts.
“It is my pleasure to be a part of this event, which not only promotes comradery, but also healthy lifestyles. They also get to be a part of a feeder system that ultimately produces elite athletes. This is also important because we are in what could be considered … the epicenter for sports in the region. We are at a place where people come from all around the world to train and compete. I’m looking forward to helping our kids use sports as a tool for national development.”
More than 1,000 athletes from 60 schools around The Bahamas are expected to compete in the event.
