Machel Montano's hit of 2011, Illegal Wine, rang out at the parade of teams at the Ato Boldon Stadium, heralding the start of the Ministry of Education's National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships on Wednesday. When the Port-of-Spain and Environs District team, represented by Laventille Girls Government School paraded in the number four spot and as the team approached the podium, pandemonium broke loose. They chanted "you could get charge for marching like that."
The young marchers brought the house down with their rendition of the popular hit Illegal Wine, a song which was heard throughout the day as the champion district team looked set to secured its 19th title in 21 years. However, to the shock and dismay of the fans, Port-of-Spain and Environs was placed dead last. With the threat that Port-of-Spain's dominance would be halted by Tobago, East St George or North Eastern, the first event on the track programme turned out to be a incorrect guide to the final result.
At the sound of the starters' pistol, Port-of-Spain's Peniel John was sixth to the line behind the North Eastern U-9 athlete Leaura Elliot. Jamali Lynch gave Port-of-Spain supporters something to shout about when winning the next event for the U-9 boys over 60 metres.
In the U-11 girl's 100 metres event Joanna Roger of Port-of-Spain did not run hard to the tape and was pipped by Jael Romano of St George East. Andrew Taylor then gave St Patrick Education District something to jump for before Raylene Kerr put Tobago in the winner's enclosure for the first time. She defeated the top sprinter Jenea Spinks of Caroni. Then it was the turn of the young sprinting sensation of the Caribbean Adel Colthrust to walk to centre-stage and he did not disappoint in giving Victoria education District its first success. Not to be outdone Caroni was next to strike gold with Michaela Neils who won the 100 for the 13-15 girls in commanding fashion before Nick Antione outran his rivals in the 13-15 Boys 100 metres final. Clearly, all the district shared in the success of the day. However, Tobago and East St George proved to be worthy opponents as they had many opportunities to cheer their top athletes.
The performances of the East St George's athletes Joel Andrew in the Under-11 category was nothing short of exemplary and dominant. He had no peers as he raced away to victories in the 100 and 200 metres events. The Under-13 boys Victor Ludorum, Adel Çolthrust of Victoria showed his outdoubted class. Port-of-Spain went into high gear when the relays came, winning seven of the eight events.
Port-of-Spain and Environs, reeled off five wins before "blotting" their paper in the girls Under 11 relay in which the baton was dropped during the first leg. At the end of the day, Port-of-Spain and Environs walked away with the National title for the 19th time in 21 years. The champs amassed 434 points. Tobago finished second with 389 while St George East was third on 303.5 points.
Honour Roll
Victor Ludorum:
U9: Jamali Lynch (POS); Devin Augustine (SPAT)
U11: Joel Andrew (SGE)
U13: Ricardo Precott (POS); Adel Colthrust (VIC)
13–15: Kerron Julien (CAR)
Victrix Ludorum:
U9: Leaura Elliot (NEED)
U11: Diane Hamilton (SEED)
U13: Danica Stephen (POS)
13–15: Kalifa Andrews (POS)