Organisers are putting the final touches on preparations for this year’s National Youth Rally, set for Thursday at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

Hundreds of students from primary and secondary schools across Antigua and Barbuda are expected to take part in the annual event, which forms part of the nation’s Independence celebrations.

As tradition dictates, schools will participate in a march-past, saluting peers who have excelled academically, athletically, and artistically.

The programme will begin with the arrival of dignitaries and an opening prayer by a youth representative from Barbuda, followed by remarks from the President of Youth Arise and the island’s top Grade Six national assessment student.

This year’s rally will again incorporate the “No Violence” campaign, complementing the Independence theme, Solid, Stable, and Soaring.