Holmwood Technical High School is having problems obtaining United States (US) non-immigrant visas for some of its athletes, who are expected to participate at the annual Penn Relays, which is scheduled for the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, from April 23-25.

The school's acting principal, Edward Hector, who is also the team's coach, noted that visa requests for four of his five-member 4x800 metres squad were turned down yesterday morning by the embassy in St Andrew.

This situation, however, is not peculiar to Hector's Christiana-based institution and many experience this problem annually as they look to participate at the prestigious US meet.

"This has put my squad at a definite disadvantage," said Hector.

"It will put my plans in disarray," he added, saying they plan to appeal.

"The appeals process, I hope, will allow my best-ever team to participate in Penn Relays. The remainder of boys should be going tomorrow (today) along with some girls."

Best 4x800m schoolboy team

Holmwood Technical have arguably the best 4x800m schoolboy team in the island and are one of the favourites for the Penn Relays Championship of Americas title.

In the recent Milo Grand Prix five-race series, Holmwood's boys came out on top with over 40 points.

Several other schools are expected to visit the US Embassy this week as they too will be seeking non-immigrant visas for their athletes to participate at the relay carnival.