This week Jamaica celebrates the 100th 'Champs'.   This inspirational schools sports competition widely credited as the secret of Jamaican success in track and field.

The opening ceremony this week in Kingston.

One hundredth anniversary

The annual ISSA Boys' and Girls' Athletic Championships - known as "Champs" - is one of the most anticipated events in the Jamaican school calendar.

Secondary schools from all over the country compete in track and field events.

It began in 1910 as a competition between six schools.  Today it builds to the finals - a four-day national event with athletes from over 150 schools taking part.  

Held at the National Stadium in the capital, Kingston, it is one of the most celebrated junior track and field meets in the world.

Champs fans gather

Schools across Jamaica bus in their pupils to watch the event. 

More than 30,000 supporters are expected.

This exceptional schools' sports day is also attended by Jamaican sports stars, international journalists and talent scouts from US universities.  It's broadcast on TV and can be watched online - for a fee.

Future Olympians

Over a century, Champs has been the event where almost every Jamaican runner has had to prove him or herself at before competing internationally.

Jamaican sports stars Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser had their first successes at Champs when they were at school.

The under-19 and under 16 age groups usually gives to clues to future olympians.   

Will some of the students competing this week be competing at the London 2012 olympics?

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