By Joe Chapman

 WEATHER permitting, the first-ever ‘Mackenzie High versus Multi’ Ole School/Nu School Independence Day track and field championship, billed for the Mackenzie Sports Club ground, will get underway from 09:00hrs today.

Late yesterday, the inclement weather did not deter the organisers of Team McNeil/Cameron from being positive concerning the rivalry between the two educational institutions.

Knowing that these two schools have produced several national athletes over the past few decades and have been instrumental in ensuring Upper Demerara/Kwakwani maintain its stranglehold at the annual National Athletics,  planner Shawn McNeil said last evening it would be difficult to postpone the swimming and cycling championships.

Yesterday, the preparations were somewhat challenged due to the rain but Shawn McNeil said that nothing will stop the show from going on today between the arch rivals Mackenzie High and Christianburg/Wismar Secondary on the field.

Today, some 35 events are scheduled to take place under the supervision of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), headed by its president Aubrey Hutson. He will join other officials, Team McNeil/Cameron, Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford and former athletes in the opening ceremony before the showdown gets underway.

The cream of those athletes, along with those who would have attended these two schools and would have made this country proud, will be on parade

The Mackenzie High School will feature in this specially arranged meet which targets Under-18 athletes with an aim to grab bragging.

Jasey Copeland will participate in the shot put and discus events, outstanding National athlete Deshanna Skeete in the 100m, 200m and 400m, Omar James in the long jump and the 100m, 200m and 400m, Seon Johnson in the 100m, 200m, 400m, with Leola James contesting the 200m, 400m and 800m races and Shenia Liverpool in the 200m and the triple and long jumps

Representing ‘Multi’ are Shaquka Tyrell, current CARIFTA Games bronze medallist, Deon Richards, the promising long and triple jump athlete who is considered the third best triple jumper in the country.

Daniela Hackett, a 14-year-old, will run the 100m sprint and also compete in the triple and long jumps. Tuqua Wilson will feature in the 100m and 200m and also will be in the long jump. Jonathan Copeland, who has dominated the field events at Nationals, will be contesting the triple jump and the relays this time around.

There will be the Old school races for Over-30, Over-40 and Over-50 athletes which will be in the short sprints to suit their capabilities, the organsisers said. Trophies and medals will be at stake for the top three finishers in all 35 events

Both schools will be involved in the official march past before the championship gets underway. They will receive $100 000 and a smart television while the winners’ Marilyn DeAbreu Trophy and bragging rights are at also at stake.