Eight finals are scheduled for the opening day of the highly anticipated three-day Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Carifta Trial at the National Stadium. Action is set to begin at 4:30 pm.

The finals that are down to be contested this afternoon include the Under-17 boys’ and girls’ shot put competitions; the boys’ and girls’ Under-19 shot put; the long jump for Under-19 boys and girls; the Under-17 boys’ and girls’ high jump; and the Under-20 boys’ and girls’ high jump.

The heats for the boys’ and girls’ Under-17 100m, along with the heats for boys’ and girls’ Under-19 100m, are also scheduled to take place today, with the finals set for Saturday.

Additionally, there will be heats for the boys’ and girls’ Under-17 400m, as well as heats for the boys’ and girls’ Under-19 400m competitions. The heats for the boys’ and girls’ Under-17 1,500m and the boys’ and girls’ Under-19 events are also part of the schedule.

Ian Forbes, the vice-president of the JAAA, said he is expecting exciting competition. He said the Carifta Trial serves as a valuable precursor for the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association/Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, scheduled from March 19-23 at the National Stadium.

“Things are in place for the trials, and we are expecting high-quality performances and exciting action both on the track and in the field.

“The athletes, as well as the coaches, are looking forward to it. Apart from being the Carifta Trials, it also serves as a precursor for the Boys’ and Girls’ Championships, allowing coaches and handlers to assess the fitness levels of their athletes,” Forbes said.

The Carifta Games are scheduled to take place at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium in Grenada from March 30 to April 1.