VOJN Holds Annual Cross-Country Running Competition

The VOJN Primary School pulsed with youthful energy on Thursday, February 20th, as the annual cross-country event transformed the familiar school grounds into a vibrant arena of athleticism and camaraderie. The air crackled with anticipation as students, adorned in their respective house colours, gathered for a day of spirited competition. The meticulously planned routes, tailored to the junior and senior divisions, set the stage for a showcase of endurance, determination, and sportsmanship.

The junior races, both boys and girls, commenced at the school gate, sending a flurry of small, determined runners through the labyrinthine paths of the adjacent housing project. This challenging course, with its twists, turns, and uneven terrain, tested the agility and stamina of the younger athletes. Cheers of encouragement echoed from parents, teachers, and fellow students as the young competitors navigated the circuit, their small legs pumping tirelessly towards the finish line back at the school. The atmosphere was electric, a mix of nervous excitement and unwavering support permeating the air.

The senior races, in contrast, embraced a grander stage, extending beyond the confines of the school grounds and onto the main road. The longer, more demanding route stretched towards the landmark of Newcastle Pottery before looping back to the familiar territory of the school. The senior boys and girls, with their longer strides and more developed endurance, tackled this expanded course with a blend of focused determination and strategic pacing. Their races became the day’s highlight, captivating the audience with displays of impressive athleticism and unwavering competitive spirit.

The senior girls’ race was a compelling display of speed and endurance. Aliyah Petit-Frere emerged victorious, clocking an impressive time of 3:11.97, securing the gold medal with a dominant performance. Zalaiya France followed closely behind, also earning gold with a time of 4:00.59. Jhene Woods secured the blue ribbon with a time of 4:08.61, while Khyla Hanley, also claiming gold, finished in 4:17.03. Kelsey Thompson rounded out the top five with a time of 4:43.50, representing the green house with pride. This race showcased the depth of talent within the senior girls’ division, highlighting not only individual achievement but also the collective drive and competitive spirit of all participants.

The junior boys’ race witnessed a record-breaking performance by Chad Daniel of the blue house. He shattered the previous record of 2:58:00 with a stunning time of 2:37.15, setting a new benchmark for future generations of VOJN runners. Jahmarni Doras, also representing the blue house, secured second place, followed by Aiden Charles from the gold house in third. M-Jae Knowles, another gold house representative, took fourth place, while Jharrel Andrews of the green house completed the top five. Daniel’s remarkable achievement added an extra layer of excitement to the day, inspiring his fellow athletes and underscoring the potential for greatness within the VOJN student body.

While the earlier races provided a thrilling spectacle of youthful energy and budding athleticism, the more seasoned senior athletes offered a compelling demonstration of refined skill and strategic execution. The senior girls’ and boys’ races delivered on their promise of being the day’s highlights, captivating the spectators with displays of impressive endurance and fierce competition. Ariel Walker, representing the gold house, dominated the senior girls’ race, maintaining her previous record of 10:35.61 and securing the top spot. Zyann France, also from the gold house, finished second with a time of 12:34.69, followed by Shatajiah Knowles of the blue house in 12:37.87. Belicia Wallace, also representing the blue house, took fourth place with 14:19.25, while Linzy Brown of the green house rounded out the top five with a time of 16:37.97. The senior boys’ race saw Zander Nisbett of the green house uphold his previous record of 9:54.05, retaining his title as the fastest senior boy at VOJN. Jarian Maynard of the blue house secured second place with 10:49.03, followed by Jayden Haney, also from the blue house, with a time of 11:13.31. Jahmien Doras, another blue house representative, finished fourth in 11:46.73, while Bentley Stewart of the green house completed the top five with a time of 12:34.05. These senior races showcased not only individual prowess but also the culmination of training, dedication, and the unwavering spirit of competition. The VOJN Primary School cross-country event was a resounding success, celebrating the athletic achievements of its students and fostering a sense of community and school spirit. From the youngest junior runner to the most seasoned senior athlete, each participant contributed to the vibrant tapestry of the day, leaving a legacy of inspiration and pride for future generations of VOJN runners.