When the names Kingston College (KC) and Calabar High School are mentioned together in a sentence, it is usually in reference to fierce competition.

However, yesterday evening both schools stripped off the battle armour to show an entirely different side to their relationship when they fellowshipped together during a post-Champs concert at Calabar's campus on Red Hills Road, St Andrew.

In one of the closest finishes ever in the history of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships on Saturday, KC dethroned defending champions Calabar by 1.5 points to walk away with the Mortimer Geddes trophy at the National Stadium.

It was the second feather in KC's cap in a week. They impressively won the Television Jamaica Schools' Challenge Quiz last Tuesday.

Yesterday, school chaplain at Calabar, the Reverend Lincoln Cunningham, was quick to point out that the evening's concert was not about competition but camaraderie and worship.

In a show of sportsmanship, Calabar extended an invitation to the Kingston College choir to participate in its annual concert. The choir of about 30 boys received thunderous applause during yesterday's concert as Cunningham and the rest of the Calabar family welcomed them.

"We have been working to tell our young men that Champs is a sport to enjoy, it is not an avenue for violence," he said.

"But I must tell you that the schools have cooperated very well. KC and Jamaica College (JC) students have come here and have worshipped with us and we have gone to KC and JC to fellowship with them."

Cunningham said it has been a tremendous season of competition, but also of healing and fellowship.

He further commended KC on a remarkable performance at the National Stadium.

Yesterday's concert also saw performances from the host school, Nexus, Jody-Ann McKinley from Immaculate Conception High School, the St Andrew High School band, Dr Althea Neblett and the Jamaica Constabulary Choir.

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com

Calabar

KC