OFFICIALLY, sporting activities for the new school term are scheduled to commence tomorrow with the Inter-Schools 5-Kilometre Road Race in Soufriere. But from all indication, it appears that the event will start without one of the leading learning institutions on the island, the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC).
It is understood that the SALCC students and staff from the four houses — namely Francois, Lewis, Thomas and Walcott — will be participing in their annual road race from 10:00 a.m.
Physical Education Teacher at SALCC, Gilroy Hall, who is also an executive member of the Physical Education Teachers Association, said the Department of Youth and Sports was aware of the college event.
The SALCC road race will commence at the Ciceron Gap on the Millennium Highway overlooking SOL Gas Station and continue into Cul De Sac, ending with a challenging climb up the Morne via Goodlands. The race allows for a maximum participation of 200 athletes and students from The Morne, Goodlands and Southern Extension Campuses will face the starter’s pistol.
Upon press time yesterday, there was no word from the Department of Youth Development and Sports on the event taking place in Soufriere tomorrow as to the time, number of schools and students participating, the official route and distance.
However, Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School (SCSS) teacher ChrisentiaCombie.
“I have been trying to get at least one staff member at the Department of Youth Development and Sports and it has been to no avail. We were asked to assist in marking the route. It’s Wednesday and we are still waiting for the paint from the Department of Youth and Sports. I have no idea what is going on.”
She continued, “In terms of the composition of the teams, two male and two female athletes are allowed in each division, so a school has a maximum of twelve athletes running on the day in three divisions.”
Combie said the race will start adjacent to Ruby’s Treatment Plant, continue alongside the Old Coconut Factory, Soufriere Primary School, Soufriere Fire Station, Palmiste Area, New Development, Soufriere Hospital to finish at the Soufriere Mini Stadium.