BSSAC Gathering 2020
BSSAC GATHERING 2020!
BSSAC is back again this year even stronger and better than before with a couple new changes to better the well-known national track meet created for secondary schools across Barbados. These changes were announced at the recently held BSSAC launch which was held on 6th March 2020 at Harrison College.
These include the addition of triple jump during zonal meets in order to give the athletes a chance to qualify to represent Barbados at the Carifta Games over the Easter holiday. Additionally, BSSAC has adopted a special needs policy this year, giving children with special needs the opportunity to compete. As a result, for the first time ever The Derrick Smith School will be competing in BSSAC. Finally, an exciting part of the competition this year for sure will be the addition of the well-known inter-house competition Tug-O-War.
I personally caught up with some outstanding 2019 athletes who will be competing again this year; Josiah Parris of The St. Michael School, Aren Spencer and Layla Haynes both of Harrison College.
Josiah Parris, 14 years of age, is the winner of the U15 boys 400m, 200m sprints and 300m hurdles in 2019. This year Josiah will be competing in the U17 boys 400m, 200m and 400m hurdles. He is looking to win all three of these races. Josiah believes Tug-O-War will be a great addition to the competition because it is an exciting event that many people would like to see. Moreover, he believes The St. Michael School will take both titles this year.
Aren Spencer, 17 years of age, is the winner of the U17 boys triple jump and 400m hurdles, silver in the 400m and bronze in the long jump 2019. Aren was also 2019’s Victor Ludorum. This year he will be competing in the same events in the U20 section instead where he says he expects to place in the top 3 in all. Aren says that he personally loves Tug-O-War so he thinks it’s a great addition and he thinks it will be very competitive. Additionally, Aren believes battling for the boys title this year will be The St. Michael School, The Combermere School and Harrison College but he thinks Harrison College will take it at the end of the day and in the girls, he expects The St. Michael School to win with Combermere a close second.
Layla Haynes, 14 years of age, is the winner of the U15 girls 1500m and 800m 2019. This year Layla will be competing in the U17 category where she will be competing in the 800m, 1500m and 3000m. Layla is hoping for a strong execution in all her events. Moreover, Layla says she is excited about the new additions to BSSAC and she thinks it’s a good idea and is very eager to watch the events take place. Her expectation this year is to have an overall enjoyable meet and to represent her school well on the track.
Therefore, I expect you to come out and cheer on your schools in the zonal meets from 10th March-13th March and the finals as well held on 19th March and 20th respectively. Who will win the titles this year?
-Donna-Lisa Yearwood