THOUGH ENVIABLE prizes are on offer for this year's VMBS/Boys and Girls Championships to be held at the National Stadium from April 2-5, the number of schools participating has decreased compared to last year.
Seventy-three girls' schools will race for glory, down from the 90 that participated last year. Similarly, only 74 of the 91 boys team that took part last year will be competing. Thrown into the mix, there are two new teams in Innswood and Tarrant.
Meanwhile, title sponsor Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) has committed more than $400,000 in grants and awards.
Apart from getting the Champions trophy, the Champion Boys and Girls teams will receive $35,000 each.
The 'Foggy' Borrows Awards along with $10,000 will go to the boys' runners-up while the 'Duggie' Saint awards along with $10,000 goes to the girls' runners-up.
VMBS has also committed $105,000 (payable over three years) in scholarship grants to a boy and a girl to attend a local tertiary institution. The eligible athletes must participate in at least a final.
Last year, Morant Bay's Marvin Douglas won the award in the boys' category whilst Sherita Harriot of William Knibb was the female awardee.
A total of $30,000 each along with a commemorative plaque of the Hon. Herb McKenley's Award will be presented to the champion boys' and girls' mile relay teams.
The most improved school will receive The Building Hope Awards along with $20,000 to help improve its athletics programme.
There are also incentives for record-breaking performances as each record setter will receive VMBS gift certificates valued at $500 each.
Last year, Kingston College (194.5) took the boys' title ahead of Bridgeport (151) and Calabar (125.5) while Vere won the girls' crown with 273.93 points, ahead of St. Jago (265.43) and Holmwood (261.43).
