A Tobago contingent of 128 competitors, coaches and teachers arrived in Trinidad yesterday morning in an attempt to repeat last year's success when they halted the dominance of Port-of-Spain and Environs at the National Primary School Games.
The Tobagonians, who were also the champions in 1989, are ready to put on another excellent performance and repel the challenge of the once powerful Port-of-Spain unit. The "Crusoe" slanders, boosted by the top performances of athletes like Keridah Paul, are expected to win both the boys' and girls' Under-15 championships. Their star athlete Sherese Trim is a cert to win the U-11 Girls crown. Over the years, the Tobago team has been blessed with good athletes such as Kerry Edwards, Damon and Nicholas Douglas. This year, things promise to be much better.
The track and field action will take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo today from 9 am. The Port-of-Spain team will be seeking to register its first win after its 17-year winning streak was snapped last year Port-of-Spain has not had as good a preparation this year, and could be found wanting as many athletes were unavailable because of the SEA examination and coaches were unable to coach due to staff shortage at schools. Without the services of athletes of the calibre of Adriel Prescod, Kernesha Spann and Michelle Lee Ahye–all of whom have performed with distinction, Port-of-Spain could again be beaten.Head coach of the Port-of-Spain and Environs athletes, Derek LeGendre, though, is quietly confident that they will win. East St George District team is adamant that the East will prevail, since it has the services of some top coaches and has put everything in place to make a strong challenge for the title..