(Jamaica Gleaner) The Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) is reporting that the Haile Selassie student who was struck by lightning at an ISSA/Manning Cup match yesterday is recovering from his ordeal.
ISSA, in a statement today, said that the student, who has been identified as Akeem Reid, is responsive and that the latest test results indicate no internal injuries.
He continues to be monitored at the Kingston Public Hospital.
The Group A encounter between Haile Selassie High and Cumberland High was initially called off after rain made the field waterlogged.
After both officials and players left the field, Reid reportedly went back to retrieve a roll of tape when lightning struck him.
This is the second incident in recent weeks this season as five players were hit by lightning during a game between Jamaica College and Wolmer’s Boys on September 16 at Stadium East Field.
Since that incident and subsequent postponements due to severe weather, ISSA has moved up the start time of all games after September 25 to 2:00pm.
ISSA President Keith Wellington said the association has sought the assistance of the Ministry of Health and Wellness in moving forward.
“The health and well being of athletes is a priority. We have guidelines and policies to reduce the likelihood of something like this happening but these have been extraordinary times and hence we have made additional changes to the schedule since the first incident,” said Wellington.
“We are currently in discussions with the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Emergency Medical Department which will issue an advisory in short order regarding the matter of how the public should respond in circumstances relating to the current adverse weather patterns,” he said.
