Veteran track and field coach and physical education teacher, Mr. Kennord Mackey, hosted the first of several informal track meets he plans to hold during the first quarter of 2026, on Saturday, January 10th, at the Preston H. Albury track facility. Students and parents from as far north as Spanish Wells, took the time to make their way to Rock Sound to take advantage of the opportunity to compete, and receive feedback on what they needed to do to be more competitive and better prepared for district and national track and field championships in February and March.
The meet, said Mr. Mackey was designed to prepare athletes, from primary to high school for the upcoming track season, as well as regional and national championships. Significant changes to the national qualification process for student athletes were still being solified, said Mackey, and the additional meets would also serve to assist in the qualification process.
Mr. Mackey was not alone in his effort on Saturday. Presidents of the schools sports association, Mrs. Brandyt Albury and Mr. Dexter Cambridge showed up to assist, along with Mr. Max Leary, and a number of his Bahamas Association of Certified Officials (BACO) colleagues and volunteers, as well as several physical education teachers and coaches, and numerous parents.
The ‘Odd Distance Meet’ offered athletes the opportunity to run events like the 60m, 4×2 relays, mixed relays, 150m, 300m, 600m, shot put, long jump, triple jump and others. Mr. Mackey stressed the importance of regular local competition to improve Eleuthera’s performance at national high school competition levels, pointing to the disappointing results during the past several years.
On the day, the format was an “all comers” event, not restricted to schools, and parents were able to sign up their children on the day. The age range was from the age of five up to high-schoolers.
