Members of Wolmer's team (left) meet their opponents from Quest at the opening match of the Bigga Prep School football league at Liberty Prep yesterday. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

AFTER A colourful opening ceremony and dress parade in which almost 40 schools took part, the Bigga/Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA) football league was launched yesterday.

In the brief opening ceremony held at Liberty Prep on Hope Road, David Burton, business development manager for beverages at Wisynco, handed over the sponsorship cheque of $1 million and spoke of his company's commitment to nation building.

"Wisynco and Bigga in particular have always openly encouraged nation building and development through sporting initiatives," Burton said.

The 41 teams will be divided into five zones.

Dennis Leon Trophy

Mona, St. Theresa, Morris Knibb, Stella Maris, Grace Christian, Liguanea, St. Andrew, Portmore Missionary and Hopefield will battle in Zone One for the Dennis Leon Trophy.

In Zone Two where the Par Burke trophy will be at stake, Quest, Meadowbrook, Vaz, Sts. Peter & Paul, Rose Gordon, Splendor, Wolmer's, and St. Cecelia are the teams.

Mavisville, Covenant, Ardenne, Suthermere, The Queens, Alvernia, St. Hugh's and OLA will contest Zone Three for the Michael King Trophy.

Lannaman's, Liberty, Emmanuel Christian, Hillel, Holy Childhood, Avondale, Trafalgar and Gordon Memorial will contest Zone Four for the Winston Ulett Trophy, while Hydel, Foundation, Bright Beginnings, Belair, Glowell, Glenmuir, St. Jago and St. Catherine will face each other for the Wisynco Rural Trophy in Zone Five.

The top 16 teams at the end of the preliminary round, which will be decided by early November, will also qualify for the Henriques Cup knockout competition.