By DAHALIA SMITH, NG Sports Reporter, dahalia@nasguard.com

Teams from all over The Bahamas are expected to converge for the 27th Milo Primary Schools Track and Field Championships set to run from Wednesday, May 14 to Friday May 16 at the Thomas A. Robinson (TAR) Track and Field Stadium.

The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture will host the championships. The schedule of events was disclosed at a press conference held at the ministry on Thursday. Starting this Saturday morning, a torch run will be held on the various Family Islands in an effort to build awareness.

The torch run in New Providence, in particular, will have four starting points all ending at the TAR. Those starting points include S.C. McPherson, R.M. Bailey High School, Goodman's Bay and Arawak Cay. Then on Tuesday, May 13, the cheerleading and banner competitions will be held at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium. According to New Providence Primary Schools Sporting Association (NPPSSA) member, Cedricka Rolle, at least 14 schools are expected to compete in the competition at 12 noon on Tuesday at the Kendal Isaacs gym.

"We want the general public to show their support. When they see the talent displayed by these children, all will be pleased.

Some of the schools that confirmed participation are Mable Walker, St. John's, Westminster, Eleuthera and Albury Sayles. Also, the winner of the banner competition won't be revealed until the opening ceremony gets underway the following day because the winning school will carry the banner," Rolle noted.

The opening ceremony will kick off at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the TAR followed by track and field competition in the seven, nine, 11 and 13-and-under age groups. The competition will continue through Friday. The Minister of State for Youth and Sports, the Hon. Byran Woodside, told those on hand at the press conference: "The ministry owes a debt of gratitude to various persons and businesses who gave unselfishly to the staging of this event. I cannot mention all, however we appreciate contribution from Batelco and Mr. Jacques for assisting with transportation for the Family Island teams, Leisure Travel for assisting with transportation, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force for assisting with bus drivers and various hotels who have accommodated the Family Island teams at a negotiable price. Last but not least, thanks goes out to Thompson's Trading's Carl Lynch who is Ovaltine's representative. Ovaltine stepped up when it was learnt that the youth of our nation needed developmental assistance."

Also, on behalf of the ministry, Frank 'Pancho' Rahming donated new measuring equipment for the field events to officials' president Ralph McKinney. McKinney in return extended appreciation. Rahming also noted that the preparatory exercises that were scheduled for this holiday, Monday May 12, have been canceled and coaches who need to make changes may fax documents to telephone number 323-2495.

According to the organizing committee, last year 50 teams attended the championships with a total of 1500 athletes participating. This track and field event has been organized to highlight individual instead of team achievement. The format will have heats staged first with the top eight athletes advancing to the finals in their respective events.

Public and private primary school teams are expected from Eleuthera, New Providence, North, Central and South Andros, Abaco, Grand Bahama, Long Island, Inagua and Rum Cay.