Second Ben Francis Invitational on today

BY DANIA BOGLE Observer staff reporter

Saturday, February 18, 2012

SIX events have been upgraded to Championship status for this year's second staging of the Ben Francis Invitational track and field meeting to be held at the Vere Technical High School in Hayes, Clarendon today starting at 9:00 am.

The races include the boys' Class One 4x100m and 400m and the steeplechase Open, as well as the girls' 4x400m Open, Class One 200m, and high jump.

Meet marketing and public relations officer, Richard Bowen, explained that the steeplechase was included as it was an addition to the ISSA Boys & Girls Championships schedule of events last year and proved significant in helping Jamaica College to victory.

"It is our firm belief from research that with the shortage of steeplechase infrastructure Vere is the only school in the country with a steeplechase pit installed. So for those who haven't qualified as yet they will have a golden opportunity to qualify."

"We feel that is an event that is going to play a great part in who is going to win the boys section of Championships," he added.

The championship races will carry a cash prize of $40,000 for the winning school of each event.

Other events on the schedule include the 200m all classes, and clubs, 400m, 800m, 3,000m Open for girls and 5,000m Open for boys, 400m hurdles, 4x100m, and 4x400m all classes and open for girls. In the field, events include the shot put, discus, long jump, and high jump.

Former student and 1996 Olympic Games 400m hurdles champion Deon Hemmings-McCatty is this year's honouree.

"This was basically the choice because out of the group of persons we felt it appropriate and she gracefully accepted," Bowen stated.

In excess of 60 schools are expected to participate in the meet including Vere, Edwin Allen, and Holmwood.