BSSAC IS BACK: 27 schools confirmed as Lockerbie returns for 2026 championships

The 2026 Dasani Barbados Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championship (BSSAC) will open on January 30 with 27 schools confirmed, the return of Lockerbie College after a three-year absence, and a renewed multi-year sponsorship commitment from title sponsor Dasani, organisers announced at Thursday’s official launch.

Individual schools’ action will begin with Dighton Griffith Secondary School first out the blocks, before the championships move into zonal competition and finals at the Usain Bolt Complex later in March.

Principals, physical education teachers and event officials gathered at the St George Secondary School on Wednesday for the launch, where Chairman of the BSSAC Management Committee and Springer Memorial School Principal Sonja Goodridge thanked the title sponsors for their continued commitment to the event.

“BSSAC 2026 is again elated to have as our title sponsor, Dasani, represented here today by Mr. Clifford Gooding-Edghill, the marketing manager of Barbados Bottling Company Limited. This company continues to heavily invest in the development of our young athletic talent, an initiative started by the company decades ago,” she said.

Goodridge revealed that this year’s series gets under way on Friday, January 30, with Dighton Griffith Secondary School the first out of the blocks. The individual secondary school competition concludes on March 13.

“On the 4th, 5th and 6th of March, the Shakira Shorey Field Events Championships will be held at Harrison College. On the 16th and 17th, the Esther Maynard and Shane Brathwaite Zones will be first out of the blocks at the Usain Bolt Complex, followed by the Frank Blackman and Sada Williams Zone on the 19th and 20th. The 25th, 26th and 27th of March is when we’ll all be jostling for points, where every point will matter until that big finale at the Usain Bolt Complex,” she explained.

Goodridge also outlined admission prices for this year’s events at the Usain Bolt Complex.

“The zonal championships will have a $10 entry fee for adults, payable at the door. The finals will carry a $25 entry fee for adults, with admission by ticket only. Student tickets will cost $10 for the finals and will only be sold at the individual schools,” she said.

Marketing Manager of Barbados Bottling Company Limited Clifford Gooding-Edghill also addressed the launch, detailing the company’s longstanding involvement through its brands.

“For over four decades, the Barbados Bottling Company has been a proud partner of BSSAC. Throughout these years, we’ve witnessed first-hand the power of this championship, not only as a sporting event, but as a true development platform for the youth of Barbados,” he said.

According to Gooding-Edghill, the company does not take the partnership lightly, as it represents its belief in the potential of young Barbadians and its commitment to helping them shine.

“Today, I’m pleased to reaffirm that commitment. BBC has pledged its support with another multi-year agreement to continue the sponsorship of this phenomenal event. BSSAC remains strong, sustainable and equipped to give every young athlete the opportunity to excel,” he added.

BSSAC Technical Director Dorian Best said there will be 27 participating schools this year — 23 public secondary schools and four private institutions. After a three-year absence, Lockerbie College will also return to the championships.

In terms of format, Best said the event remains similar to last year.

“Our zone structure remains unchanged since we are using a three-year cycle, and this is the second full year of our zone competition in this cycle. Participation continues to be two competitors per school in all events, and athletes can compete in a maximum of four individual events,” he explained.

The lone major change this year will see a venue shift for the field event finals.

“Last year we held our field event championships at Queen’s College, and we’re moving back to Harrison College. The lack of a dedicated facility has actually had a positive effect for us, since we have been able to create a strong field events competition,” Best said.