about us

The Barbados Secondary Schools’ Athletic Championships (BSSAC) is the governing body responsible for the planning, production, and management of secondary school athletics competitions in Barbados. This includes the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Athletic Championships (commonly known as Inter-School Sports) and the BSSAC Cross-Country Championships. Established in 1985, BSSAC plays a central role in the development and promotion of junior athletics, providing a structured and competitive platform for student-athletes across the island.

The Barbados Secondary Schools’ Athletic Championships, held annually just prior to easter, is one of the largest and most anticipated events on the national athletics calendar. Organised by the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools (BAPPSS), the event showcases the best junior athletic talent in Barbados, featuring competitors aged 11 to 19. More than just a competition, BSSAC is a ten-day spectacle of school pride and athletic excellence.

The championships are structured around two zonal meets - the Frank Blackman Zone and the Ester Maynard Zone - culminating in the highly anticipated Inter-School Sports Finals. The consistently high standard of performance at BSSAC means it is not uncommon for standout athletes to qualify for the CARIFTA Games, the Caribbean’s premier junior athletics competition, established by the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA).

“We see our role as not only putting on a track meet of a high quality but also to do more to promote the positive activities of the young persons within our society.” – Andrew Brathwaite