Caribbean Union of Teachers

This year, the 14th Biennial Caribbean Union of Teachers' (CUT) Students' Athletic Championship takes place from July 20 to 21, 2012 at the Jamaica National Stadium, Industry Park, Kingston. This is the only meet of its kind in the Caribbean and is used as a springboard for young Caribbean athletes to continue to excel in the world of track and field. It acts as a vehicle for young athletes in their quest for honours on the world stage, as these championships have been a breeding ground for some of the Caribbean's most outstanding track and field athletes, moving on to CAC, Carifta Games, World Championships and of course the Olympic Games.

Most of the fourteen (14) teams registered to participate have arrived at the Games Village at the Shortwood Teachers' College, Kingston. Among the teams joining 2010 defending champions Jamaica, 2nd placed Barbados, 3rd placed Trinidad and Tobago are Bahamas, Antigua & Barbuda , Bermuda, Nevis, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Kitts and Guyana. Guyana has rejoined the fray after an absence at the last five championships.

The meet begins with a reception hosted by the Ministry of Education and the Jamaica Teachers' Association on Thursday evening at the Emancipation Park, Kingston, followed by an opening ceremony on Friday morning at 9:00am at the Stadium.

Competition takes place in boys and girls Under 9, Under 11, Under 13 and Under 15 age groups in the following areas: Under 9 - 80m, 150m, 4x100m Relay, Cricket-Ball Throw, Long Jump; Under 11 - 100m, 200m, 300m, 4x100m Relay, Cricket-Ball Throw, Long Jump; Under 13100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m Relay, Cricket-Ball Throw, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Put and Under 15 - 100m, 200m, 400m 4x100m Relay, Javelin, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Put.

There is also keen competition in the Girls and Boys Open - 800m, 1500m and Medley Relay (100m x 100m x 200m x 400m).

In some countries, athletes have been preparing for this Championship since March amidst many challenges which included finance and travel. Despite this, these Championships are looked forward to by young athletes, their parents and the countries for which they compete. It has as one of its unique features: friendly competition, camaraderie and co-operation.

The CUT recognizes that this Championship is essential in the regional integration process and therefore will continue to give its full support to the continued success of these games.

The 14th Edition of the CUT Students' Athletic Championship will be streamed live at www.juicetvjamaica.com, www.expeditionjamaica.com and www.jamaica50celebration.com.