This, as all the main protagonists booked their spot in the finals after topping their semi-finals on Friday’s third day of action.
Title favourites Edwin Allen High will be the team to beat on the girls’ side, as they clocked an easy 3:44.08 to advance.
Wolmer’s Girls (3:47.06); Holmwood Technical (3:45.01); Excelsior High (3:48.22); Hydel High (3:45.03); Vere Technical (3:48.73); Alphansus Davis (3:51.76) and St Catherine High (3:53.45) are the other finalists, who will be seeking to upstage their fancied rivals.
Meanwhile, boys’ favourites Kingston College also led the qualifiers on their side. They were comfortable in 3:15.95, with Jamaica College (3:16.81), Calabar High (3:18.60) and Excelsior High (3:18.72), expected to be their main competition for the coveted gold medal.
However, William Knibb Memorial (3:16.73), Edwin Allen High (3:16.89), Clarendon College (3:18.69) and Herbert Morrison Technical (3:19.39), will be hoping to spoil their party.
The health fair provided a wide range of medical services, with professionals conducting 115 medical exams, 95 immunizations, 50 cholesterol checks, and 42 HIV tests. Students also received back-to-school supplies. The comprehensive nature of the event underscored the foundation’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community, particularly for students preparing to return to school.
In a statement from the VCB Foundation, organizers expressed their gratitude to all those who contributed to the event’s success: "A huge thank you to our incredible partners, volunteers, and everyone who made our Back to School Health Fair and Wellness event a success. Over 200 people served and 440-plus services offered. Together, we are building a healthier and stronger community! We are looking forward to next year!"
The non-profit organization, which is dedicated to empowering the next generation by providing educational resources and mentorship to high school students in need, continues to make a significant impact through initiatives like the health fair. Campbell-Brown, who is a two-time Olympic 200m gold medalist, and her husband Omar were actively involved as volunteers, offering support and spreading joy among the several hundred patrons in attendance. The event also featured entertainment, adding to the positive atmosphere and making it a memorable occasion for all involved.
Reflecting on the event, Campbell-Brown expressed her gratitude and ambition for future editions. "I am grateful for the support of the VCB Foundation. Let us make the event even more impactful next year," she said.
The success of the health fair was made possible by the generous support of several organizations, including Adidas, Juici Patties, Miss Birdie Jamaica, Grace Foods, and New Fortress Energy, among others. Their contributions helped ensure that the event could offer a wide range of services to the community.
As a past student of Vere Technical High School, which dominated the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships during her time, Campbell-Brown’s commitment to giving back to her community through her foundation continues to leave a lasting legacy. The Back to School Health Fair and Wellness event is just one of many initiatives through which the VCB Foundation is making a positive difference in the lives of young Jamaicans.
