The Insports Challenge Cup has officially returned to the local high school sporting calendar after a 5 year absence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with this year’s competition getting underway on Wednesday.
The preseason tournament, which was first introduced in 2017, was suspended in 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19.
Its return marks the revival of a competition designed to help schools prepare for their respective inter-school seasons.
The 2026 staging was officially launched on Tuesday at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.
Netball action begins on Wednesday, while the football competition kicks off on Thursday.
Minister of Sports Olivia Grange says there will also be significant financial incentives for the top-performing schools.
Minister Grange says the champions in both the football and netball competitions will receive $400,000.
Olivia Grange.
Twelve schools will compete in each discipline over approximately one month.
Teams will accumulate points during the preliminary round, with the top performers advancing to the semifinals.
The schools contesting the netball competition are Denbigh High, Gaynstead, Merl Grove, Camperdown, Norman Manley, Vauxhall, Jose Marti Technical, Dinthill Technical, Mile Gully High, Bishop Gibson, May Day High and Tacius Golding.
The football competition will feature Tacius Golding High, St Catherine High, Charlemont, Waterford, Denham Tow, Jose Marti Technica, Tivoli Gardens, St Jago, Bridgeport, Haile Selassie High, Innswood and Greater Portmore High.
