Wednesday’s scheduled launch for the upcoming ISSA Boys and Girls Athletics Championship at the National stadium has been cancelled.

The announcement comes after a meeting between top executives at title sponsors Grace Kennedy and event organizers ISSA and is in response to Health Minister Dr. Chris Tufton confirming the first case of COVID 19 in Jamaica.

“ We agreed that the appropriate measure at this time would be to postpone (the) launch, and proceed with further discussions about what action should be taken in terms of the actual event,” said ISSA President, Keith Wellington. He added that ISSA was also in discussion with its associated sponsors.

“The Health Ministry has announced that infection prevention and control is priority at this time,” said GraceKennedy Group CEO, Don Wehby. He continued, “We take COVID-19 very seriously, and are concerned about the health and wellness of the student athletes and all involved in the execution of Champs, as well as the implications for the 35,000 persons in attendance at the National Stadium especially during the last two days. This is a decision we will be making in the nation’s best interest.”

The entities have advised that discussions are ongoing regarding the staging of Champs, and that a definitive announcement will be made regarding the event within the next twenty-four hours.