A Poetic Affair
www.duhaneysmith.com by Duhaney A. Smith
Champs One Hundred

Background: Boys' and Girls' Championships have been important to me and many of my family members, friends, and acquaintances ever since high school days.  We found that the friendly rivalry and competitive nature of the events taught us lessons that could not be learnt at home or in the class room. Furthermore, there is the sheer thrill of watching exciting performances from the next Jamaican world beaters as they perform for their adoring fans and more so to bring glory to their schools. I enjoyed Champs 2009 not just because KC won, but also because the way it unfolded presented lessons that I could use in my life.  Also, the planning and execution of Wolmer's Boys' School to win Champs 100 in 2010 was another life lesson that I learnt something from.  In fact, I wrote Champs One Hundred as the last day's events unfolded.  If you were at the Championships or you missed them I hope this poem will help you relive the memories, or make you to feel some of the excitement we felt on the day.

 

Champs One Hundred

Horns sounding, whistles blowing, it's a festive atmosphere

The scent of scrumptious Jamaican foods permeates the air.

The colours of the rainbow are well represented

Young and old, men and women, are acting so demented.

 

But fanatical support at Champs is really common place

The athletes and the spectators are involved in every race.

Fast moving pistons; arms and legs running down the track

Wildly cheering spectators jumping on each other's back.

 

Good natured teasing from supporters of various teams

Concentrated expressions as the athletes chase their dreams.

Some of the favourites oblige, and the audience shares the thrills

But some do not survive, and their hearts break in the spills.

 

The competition is fierce; the winner can be one of three

It's not yet clear who'll win, Calabar, Wolmer's, or KC.

The stars are passing through, bringing memories of times past

This is supreme entertainment; there could be no better cast.

 

The relays have begun and it's either Wolmer's or Calabar

The rivalry is so hot, it's like these runners are at war!

The supporters are in a frenzy; everyone is on their feet

If it's Wolmer's, after 54 years, victory will be sweet.

 

Just like Champs 2009, it's down to the last race

It's either C-Bar or Wolmer's; it depends on how they place.

This is like a movie where the script is just too lie

For it's down to the last event, and both schools are in a tie!

 

It's a most fitting end to Champs 100 in 2010

This kind of excitement, you never know if you'll see again.

The Penultimate even has run; Holmwood defended their crown

The cheers ring out; if possible, the excitement has surely grown.

 

There's a restive, uneasy quiet for the start of the last race

Contained excitement shines brightly on every supporter's face.

The gun goes off, Calabar wants it; but Wolmer's wants it more

And as Wolmer's surges to the front, the crowd lets out a roar.

 

C-Bar needed a miracle, something heaven sent

Everyone knew the four by four is Wolmer's' pet event.

Wolmer's didn't win the race, they placed a healthy second

C-Bar finished down the track, their runner couldn't respond.

 

So it's Wolmer's at the start, in between, and a century later

The others must've felt great, but I bet this win feels greater.

Once again sports has shown that in life nothing is guaranteed

That working hard, and planning a course, is your best bet to succeed.

 

Duhaney A. Smith

 

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