Its all systems go for the running of the 2022 ISSA Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships which gets underway on Tuesday April 5, at the National Stadium.

For the first time since 2019, spectators will be allowed to attend the event with a maximum cap of 20 thousand per day over the five day championships

Title holders Jamaica College on the boys side and Edwin Allen on the girls side are both primed to face stiff challenges from their respective rivals.

Jamaica College going after a 23rd hold on the Mortimer Geddes Trophy is expected to face a fierce challenge from Kingston College who will start as the early favorites in their quest to lift title number 33.

Calabar, St Jago along with St Elizabeth technical and Excelsior are also expected to feature prominently.

JC’s coach Neil Harrison says they will be resolute in their defence of the title

KC’s coach Leeford Green is expressing confidence that they will be able to dethrone Jamaica College

Edwin Allen will start as favourites on the girls side in their quest for a 8th straight hold on the crown and 9th overall but they are expected to be strongly challenged by Hydel who are seeking to win the title for the first time.

St Jago along with Holmwood will also try to stay in the mix while the fast rising St Catherine high along with Immaculate and Excelsior high will all battle it out for a top five placing.

Champs 2022 will get underway at 9a with the running of the 2000 meters steeple chase.

There will be no final on the opening day.